Kenya now welcomes open skies policy to push tourism.

The Moi International Airport (MIA) is the first airport in the country that the government has opened up to international flights in a bid to push up tourism.

Cabinet Secretary for Transport Kipchumba Murkomen said in Mombasa that the airport is the first to be opened up as the government aims to fully implement an open skies policy for commercial flights.

Open skies are policies that governments use to give international airlines easy access to their airports. They are considered pro-consumer, pro-competition and pro-growth.

For years, tourism players especially at the coast have been pushing for these policies in order to attract more tourists.

Last Wednesday, MIA received a Fly Dubai airline flight which landed with 119 passengers; the first after adoption of the policy.

A Boeing 737 Max -800 touched down in Mombasa and was welcomed by Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir and Murkomen.

“We have tirelessly requested the government to consider an open sky policy as we sought to grow tourism numbers and boost our economy,” Nassir said.

He said that they are now confident that more international flights will land in Mombasa. Murkomen said that approvals were made to allow Fly Dubai to start direct flights to Mombasa after the airline made a very compelling case.

“They have connections to Eastern Europe market and have a global network that can increase numbers,” Murkomen noted.

Already, 10 international airlines are said to be eyeing the Mombasa route. Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) acting managing director Henry Ogoye said the event marks a significant milestone in the ever-changing aviation landscape in the country.

“The arrival of Fly Dubai to Moi International Airport not only enhances connectivity between our nations but also is a testament of the interest United Arab Emirates has in us, “he said.

Skal Kenya Coast President Janet Chamia said that the airlines arrival is very exciting.

“It marks a milestone for tourism,” Chamia said. Fly Dubai Senior Vice President Commercial Operations Sudhir Sreedharan said that the new service was his airlines twelfth in Africa where it now flies to 11 different nations.

Fly Dubai becomes the first national carrier to operate direct flights from Dubai to the coastal city in Kenya.

“Fly Dubai’s inaugural flight to Mombasa reflects our commitment to further strengthening our network in Africa and to providing our passengers with more options for convenient travel to one of East Africa’s most attractive destinations, “Sreedharan said.

Kenya Coast Tourist Association CEO Julius Owino and Patrick Kamanga, chairman of Kenya Association of Travel Agents Coast said that it’s been a long struggle to have Fly Dubai on the Mombasa route

“All its outbound flights have been filled by travel agents and already this shows it popularity,” Kamanga said.

Owino said that they are delighted with the prospects the new air service presents at a time when Kenyan tourism is on full path to recovery.

“We have seen huge numbers. This year looks very promising with air, sea and land arrivals looking good,” Owino said.

Denis Gwaro, General Manager of Plaza Beach Hotel in Mombasa said that it is their hope that apart from Fly Dubai, airlines like Turkish, Rwandair, Air Tanzania and a host of other low cost carriers from South Africa could soon be landing in Mombasa.

“For us, this is the best thing to ever have happened in the early part of the year. In fact, it presents better things to come not only for coastal tourism but the entire country as a whole, “Gwaro said

Fly Dubai has been steadying itself and has built a network of 123 destinations in 54 countries served by a young fleet of 84 Boeing 737 aircraft.

The airline has added Cairo, Krabi, Milan, Pattaya and Poznań to its network in 2023 and will start its daily services to Langkawi and Penang in Malaysia on 10 February 2024.

Fly Dubai’s network in Africa includes Addis Ababa, Alexandria, Asmara, Cairo, Dar es Salaam, Djibouti, Entebbe, Hargeisa, Juba, Mogadishu, Mombasa and Zanzibar.

 Flights to Moi International Airport will operate four times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays from Terminal 3, Dubai International (DXB). Emirates will codeshare on this route, offering passengers more options for connections through Dubai’s international aviation hub.

Source: Standard Media.

Nigeria: Airlines’ Trapped Funds – Pressure Mounts Despite U.S.$61 Million Release.

Lagos — There’s a mounting pressure on the federal government to make significant releases to clear the foreign airlines’ trapped funds amidst their threat to exit Nigeria.

This is despite the release of $61.4m by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) last week as part of efforts to clear outstanding liabilities and bolster the foreign exchange market.

While there’s no updated data on the foreign airlines’ funds trapped in Nigeria, our correspondent reports that the money was $793m as of December 2023.

According to data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Nigeria accounted for a substantial part of airlines’ trapped funds globally.

The foreign airlines said the funds keep mounting hence the $61.4m was too infinitesimal to cover anything.

A foreign airline representative who spoke with our correspondent in confidence said the trapped funds hinder the operations of their airlines.

“We all know what the margin is for airlines. If your funds are trapped to that level, how do you fund your operations? From loans or what? You can fund from other locations for how long? If every nation holds back funds, will there be international flights?

Foreign airlines mull cut of Nigerian operations.

Amidst the raging controversy over dollar settlement, airlines are said to be considering the option of reducing or suspending their operations outright.

It was learnt that despite the substantial resolution of diplomatic issues with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the non-payment of Emirates Airlines’ trapped funds is responsible for the delay in resumption of flights to Nigeria.

“The airline is yet to see sufficient commitment of the Nigerian government to clear Emirates trapped funds which is the major reason for the airline’s suspension of operations in the first place,” the source said.

It would be recalled that Emirates suspended all flights to Nigeria on September 1, 2022 and despite two different visits of President Bola Tinubu to the UAE and follow-up visits by the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, the airline is yet to agree on resuming flights to Nigeria. “Yes, the trapped funds issue seems deadlocked,” said a source.

Similarly, other airlines are increasingly restless over their trapped funds, threatening to call it quits in Nigeria as the funds keep increasing.

“It is not a fair competition. My airline flies to Nigeria and our revenue is trapped. A Nigerian airline flies to our base country and they get their monies. Where is the fair competition?,” another foreign airline representative said. Aviation analyst, Group Capt. John Ojikutu, said aviation agencies would lose 80 per cent of their revenues if foreign airlines should leave in protest.

He said, “80% of our earnings in commercial aviation will be gone if the foreign airlines carry out their threats to withdraw their operations in Nigeria.

“Whoever knows Keyamo should tell him now. Whoever knows Tinubu should tell him now too to tell Keyamo to find out what happened to the forex earnings ($2.5bn) that the Nigeria Aviation service providers collected from the foreign airlines annually? This is not a joking matter like the palliatives and the subsidies.”

The General Secretary of the Aviation Roundtable and Safety Initiative (ART), Mr Olumide Ohunayo, decried a situation where foreign airlines pay for services in Nigeria in dollars, yet they cannot get dollars to repatriate their funds.

According to him, if the foreign airlines should leave as being threatened, Nigerian airlines cannot fill the vacuum.

More so he advised that Nigeria should take advantage of the reciprocity in the Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) to begin to operate some of those routes operated by foreign airlines.

He said, “The truth is that our airlines cannot fill the vacuum, that’s almost impossible, as much as I would not advocate for us to increase their frequencies, I think it’s time for us to start using those frequencies that are ours by virtue of the reciprocity in the bilateral service agreement we have with different counties.

Source: All Africa.

Flydubai launches direct flights to Mombasa.

United Arab Emirates carrier Flydubai Wednesday started flights to Mombasa from Dubai in a move that looks set to raise competition against Kenya Airways (KQ) that also operates on the route.

The carrier has deployed a Boeing 737 type of aircraft on the route, flying four times per week to Moi International Airport from Terminal Three at the Dubai International Airport (DXB).

According to Flydubai online booking, fares from Dubai to Mombasa start from 846 United Arab Emirates Dirhams (Sh37,000) which matches KQ’s starting fares on economy class. Flydubai will be flying to Mombasa on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Mombasa International Airport Manager Abel Gogo said the entry of Flydubai into Mombasa is a good move as it will heighten competition for customers among carriers, a move that will result in a drop in passenger fare.

“The entry of Fly Dubai is good for Mombasa as a region. With this expansion, we are going to witness increased movement of businesspeople and tourists into Mombasa,” said Mr. Gogo Wednesday.

Flydubai is launching direct flights to Mombasa eight years after former Transport Cabinet Secretary James Macharia granted it the rights in 2016.

The airline has become the first national carrier with direct flights from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to the Kenyan coastal city.

The airline plans to partner with Emirates to codeshare the route to offer passengers more options for connections through Dubai’s international aviation hub.

With the launch of operations to Mombasa, Flydubai has now grown its network in Africa to 11 destinations in 10 countries, including Addis Ababa, Alexandria, Asmara, Dar es Salaam, Djibouti, Entebbe, Hargeisa, Juba, Mogadishu and Zanzibar.

“Dubai has seen steady growth in investment from Africa since Expo 2020 with more than 26,000 African companies registered with Dubai Chamber. Our direct flights to Mombasa and our growing operations in Africa will further support free flows of trade and tourism between the UAE and the East African markets,” said Flydubai CEO Ghaith Al Ghaith.

The entry of Flydubai into Mombasa comes barely a few months after Kenya granted Ethiopian Airlines more flights into Mombasa.

Kenya granted Ethiopian Airlines rights to fly twice directly into Mombasa every week last year in July keeping with the open skies policy, setting the stage for intensified competition with KQ.

The open skies policy requires easing access and rules of use of national airports for foreign airlines.

KQ had earlier argued that Kenya risks entering into one-sided deals with foreign carriers in the policy since there is no reciprocity guaranteed.

Source: The East African.

Navigating Kenya’s eTA Storm – A Critical Examination of the Visa-Free Transition.

By: Bryan Obala-KATA Media & Communications.

In a notable development, Kenya’s anticipated move toward a visa-free era has presented unforeseen challenges. President William Ruto’s announcement of a visa-free regime, initially slated to commence in 2024, has been succeeded by the introduction of the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). This recent development invites a closer examination to understand whether the eTA fundamentally aligns with the essence of a visa-free system or represents a distinct approach.

The Unveiling of eTA:

Contrary to the promise of unhindered travel, the recent implementation of the eTA system has stirred a myriad of reactions. Unveiled on January 5, 2024, the system mandates travelers, excluding East Africans, to apply for the eTA at a cost of at least $30, a stark departure from the notion of a visa-free experience. This unexpected financial requirement challenges the initial expectation of a seamless and cost-free entry process, prompting concerns and raising questions about the true nature of the eTA.

As we delve into the intricacies of this development, a critical analysis is essential to gauge its impact on travelers and the broader travel landscape.

Public Backlash and Social Media Outcry:

The fallout from the eTA launch has manifested on social media platforms. Disappointed travelers, expecting a seamless entry process, now voice concerns over the unexpected costs and additional documentation. Critics argue that the eTA introduction contradicts the essence of a visa-free system, placing financial burdens on global citizens.

“The eTA has removed that categorization, and all visitors are being treated equally. Now the countries that were visa-exempt are now being subjected to a cost,” notes Davis Nyagah, an immigration lawyer. This sentiment resonates with a broader sentiment expressed across various online platforms, emphasizing the need for a balanced and traveler-friendly system. Examining these public reactions provides valuable insights into the expectations of the global community regarding border-crossing policies.

Operational Hiccups and Industry Response:

Beyond the social media outcry, the eTA has faced operational challenges. Reports reveal that travelers must provide extensive documentation, including hotel bookings, flight itineraries, and bank statements, potentially hindering the intended smooth entry process. Michael Macharia, CEO of Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers and Caterers, criticizes the implementation, stating, “The eTA is affecting the tourism industry. When the President said Kenya was visa-free, he never mentioned eTA.”

This industry perspective sheds light on the practical implications of the eTA on businesses and reinforces the need for a cohesive and well-communicated entry process that aligns with the overarching goal of promoting tourism in Kenya.

Government’s Defense and Statistics:

In defense of the eTA, Julius Bitok, Principal Secretary in the State Department for Immigration, emphasizes its efficiency and revenue benefits. The government reports collecting a staggering one million dollars (Ksh159 million) from around 25,000 applications within the first week. “The eTA was introduced so that it can process many people. Right now, we do not have any backlog,” explains Mr. Bitok. While the government cites the efficiency of the eTA in managing a high volume of applications, questions arise about the balance between streamlining processes and ensuring a traveler-friendly experience. As we navigate through these contrasting perspectives, it becomes evident that the eTA’s implementation demands a delicate equilibrium to meet both administrative goals and the expectations of global citizens.

Industry Concerns and Potential Repercussions:

Industry leaders express concerns over the eTA’s impact on existing bilateral agreements and the potential for retaliatory measures from affected countries. Michael Macharia questions the disregard for these agreements and suggests that countries might reciprocate with their own fees for Kenyan travelers. “In the old regime, we had about 50 bilateral agreements with other countries for no visa – South Africa, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Singapore, and Malaysia, among others. So, what happens to them?” queries Mr. Macharia.

Reflecting on Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA)’s December 2023 press release, it becomes apparent that the current eTA implementation diverges from the envisioned smooth transition. Calls for clear guidelines and a traveler-friendly process seem more pertinent considering the operational challenges faced.This independent examination calls for transparent communication, a reconsideration of operational aspects, and an inclusive approach to address the concerns voiced by both the public and industry stakeholders.

In concluding this examination, the eTA’s introduction brings to light a myriad of complexities. As the government and concerned state departments work towards realizing the goals of the eTA, collaboration with relevant associations, as the Kenya Association of Travel Agents, becomes paramount. A balanced and level playing field for travelers and the industry alike should be the collective aim. Transparent communication, an inclusive approach, and a reconsideration of operational aspects will contribute to a more seamless and traveler-friendly experience.

#eTAdebate #KenyaTravel #VisaFreeKenya #TravelObservations #IndustryPerspectives

CKCEDOK and LOTPLAirlines Unveil Direct Flights to Mombasa, Kenya: A New Gateway to Africa’s Wonders.

Traveling to the heart of Africa has become easier and more convenient than ever before with CKCEDOK’s announcement of a new direct flight service to Mombasa, Kenya.

This new service, operated by LOTPLAirlines, opens up a world of possibilities for those seeking to immerse themselves in Kenya’s diverse attractions, from its sprawling wildlife reserves to its scenic coastal landscapes.

A New Gateway to Kenya’s Wonders

The new route is a direct link to Kenya’s bountiful offerings. It allows travelers to embark on thrilling safari adventures, exploring the country’s rich wildlife, and enjoy its coastal treasures, including picturesque beaches.

The opportunity to experience the diverse and vibrant Kenyan culture, its people, food, and history, adds to the allure of this new service.

Flights to Mombasa: The Details

The flights to Mombasa are scheduled every Wednesday, ensuring a regular and reliable service for both tourists and regular travelers alike. The service will be operated by the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, a state-of-the-art aircraft renowned for its efficiency and passenger comfort.

The Dreamliner is known for its spacious cabins, larger windows, and smoother ride, thereby ensuring a relaxing journey to the vibrant city of Mombasa.

Competitive Pricing and Bundled Deals

CKCEDOK is offering bundled flight and hotel deals for direct flights to Mombasa, making the journey more affordable. Prices for one-way flights start at $759 and round trip flights start at $1,229.

Additional terms apply, catering to the needs of various travelers, from the budget-conscious to those seeking a more luxurious travel experience. This move demonstrates CKCEDOK’s commitment to offering competitive pricing while ensuring a high-quality travel experience.

In conclusion, the new direct flight service to Mombasa by CKCEDOK and LOTPLAirlines offers an exciting new opportunity for travelers to explore the diverse attractions of Kenya. With its competitive pricing and the comfort of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, this service promises a unique travel experience, opening up a new gateway to Kenya’s wonders.

Source: bnn breaking

Kenya’s Passport 6th Strongest In Africa.

NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 11 – Kenyan passport holders can travel to 76 countries globally visa-free, a new data shows, indicating its growing prominence worldwide.

The latest data compiled by the Henley Passport Index also ranks the country’s passport at number 67 globally, together with Malawi.

The Seychelles passport is the most powerful on the continent at number 26, followed by Mauritius (30), South Africa (53), Namibia, and Lesotho at 65, as well as Eswatini (66).

The strongest passports include those of France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Singapore, and Spain, whose citizens can travel to 194 countries globally without the need to apply for visas.

Source: Capital Fm

Sabre and IAG expand partnership with multi-year distribution agreement including NDC content.

Sabre Corporation (NASDAQ: SABR), a leading software and technology provider to the global travel industry, has entered into a multi-year distribution agreement with International Airlines Group (IAG) that will expand their existing partnership and further promote modern travel retailing practices.

The agreement will allow Sabre-connected travel buyers and agencies to sell traditional EDIFACT content as well as having competitive access to NDC offers from British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus and Vueling – including Additional Price Points and ancillaries – through the Sabre travel marketplace globally. This enhanced content will provide travel agencies with a wider range of options to compare and shop for, while travelers will benefit from an improved experience with more choice and transparency. Sabre and IAG’s airlines are working closely together and will communicate as NDC content is rolled out to Sabre-connected travel agencies on a carrier-by-carrier basis.

The agreement between Sabre and IAG underscores the industry’s shift towards modern travel retailing, where airlines can differentiate their offerings and provide more personalized experiences to travelers. Both Sabre and IAG are committed to advancing the NDC standard as a key component in the industry’s evolution towards modern airline retailing enabled by offers and orders.

Colm Lacy, British Airways’ Chief Commercial Officer, said: “We are on a journey to A Better BA and we continue to invest across the business as part of that commitment. Not only are we improving the experience of those customers who fly with us, but also the way we work with our valued travel agent and travel buyer partners. We understand how valuable retailing is to them, and IAG’s partnership with Sabre allows us to make a wide range of attractable offers available even further across the globe.”

This agreement is another milestone in the IAG strategy to embrace digital retailing practices and offer more opportunities for customers to access NDC content. The partnership with IAG demonstrates Sabre’s continued commitment to driving value and serving the diverse interests of the global travel ecosystem.

“We are very excited about what’s ahead. The travel industry is entering a new era of personalized retailing that will bring better experiences for travelers and new revenue opportunities for airlines and travel agencies,” said Roshan Mendis, Chief Commercial Officer, Sabre Travel Solutions. “It’s fantastic to work with a strong, forward-thinking partner like IAG that is just as committed as we are to driving the industry forward.”

Source: Sabre.

Experts Forecast: African Tourism Priorities for 2024

As we bid farewell to 2023 with a symphony of fireworks and festive revelry, the spotlight shines on tourism, proving that it’s not just an industry but a resilient force on the rise.

In 2023, the tourism industry witnessed remarkable growth. Globally, it showcased an impressive resurgence, reclaiming 90 percent of pre-Covid levels by the year’s end.

Also, at the global level, the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) opened new offices in Africa and the Americas, apart from the ones opened earlier in Saudi Arabia and in Nara, Japan.

On the African continent, tourism gained momentum in 2023, especially with more countries set to adopt visa-free model for other Africans as championed by Rwanda. With its landmark visa announcement for travellers in 2023, Kenya is free to all Africans from this January, Malawi is in the pipeline, Ghana and South Africa have also removed visa barriers to grow tourism and trade.

In 2024, more countries are expected to follow the positive trend to boost seamless and borderless Africa.

The visa-free African move probably impacted the Africa Visa Openness Report 2023. The report, published by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the African Union, revealed some laudable policies with more countries opening doors to more Africans.

It highlighted fruitful efforts made at eliminating the hassle of travelling for Africans and thereby enabling the “Africa we Want Agenda”.

Again, African Tourism, for the first time, witnessed the rise of women Ministers of Tourism. Nigeria, Zimbabwe, and Sierra Leone all have women Ministers of Tourism. The trend is expected to continue in 2024. But as has been the case in all spheres, resolutions will be the talking point as we plan for the year.

As a public-private venture, we solicited the opinions of experts, policy leaders, and media about how Africa’s tourism sector should take in 2024.

Vera Kamtukule- Malawi’s Minister of Tourism

Malawi’s Tourism industry has had yet another resilient year in 2023. Coming back from the devastating effects of the cyclone Freddy and other economic challenges. Inspite of it all, the sector continued on a steady path and registered a number of achievements that we are proud of. The September Tourism month saw some entities raising their occupancy rates from as low as 30% to as high as 90%. The greatest achievement in the year was therefore the renewed drive on domestic tourism. As we look forward with optimism to 2024; our main areas of focus will remain product development and destination marketing. The 20 year Tourism Investment Master plan will be in its third year in 2024 and we are hopeful that at least 3 projects therein will kick off as we continue in our quest to get as many investors as possible.

Folorunsho Coker, Director General- Nigerian Tourism Development Authority

The growth of Nigerian and African Tourism will be in 2024 Pan African. We must do so much more together with the limited available resources. We only see a little of 5% of the $8 trillion income, others share 95%, whereas we represent 51 countries out of a total of 152 countries in the global tourism economies. There is neither room for politics in Tourism nor Tourism in politics. The Corporate Governance, Human Resources and Infrastructure Development, Events marketing and Single digit funding in a new Tourism Development bank must be our priority. We must open up African Skies and boarders.

Mohammed Hersi- Chairman Diani Hospitality Owners Association, Kenya

We are bullish in Kenya and the region on matters tourism. The abolition of Visa is one major move that is bound to make traveling to Kenya very easy including for our African neighbors as we strive to grow the number from our fellow African countries.

Jon Howell, CEO AviaDev Africa

Sustainable tourism development in Africa is inextricably linked with improving intra-African connectivity. 2023 saw many new regional routes and partnerships and I anticipate more in 2024.

Yoadan Tilahun, CEO, Flawless Events- Ethiopia

I believe Rwanda will continue to dominate as the preferred destination for the events and meetings sector for international organizers. I continue to be surprised by how hard it is to get around the continent so countries who prioritize ease of entry and invest in the right event properties will win in the long run.

Kwakye Donkor CEO, African Tourism Partners

It’s been an incredible year for Africa’s Tourism sector with great wins for visa facilitation in Africa which is expected to give impetus to the intra Africa travels. Nonetheless, as we welcome 2024 with optimism, we need more collaborative efforts to walk the talk in tourism, while carrying the youth along. We need to make intra-African travels, seamless connectivity and borderless Africa a reality.

Nic Sabula – CEO, Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA)

Travel and Tourism in Africa will fully recover to the precovid levels in 2024. Statistics at the close of 2023 are showing an industry that is headed to a full recovery. I am very optimistic that barring any unforeseen eventuality, 2024 numbers will exceed 2019 levels marking an earlier recovery compared to the predicted 2025. Africa is open for business.

Gilbert Abeiku Aggrey, CEO, Kaya Management Services, Ghana

“In 2024, Africa’s tourism promises a vibrant tapestry of cultural immersion and breathtaking landscapes. The continent beckons travelers with untold adventures, showcasing its rich heritage and natural wonders. As industry insiders, we anticipate a surge in sustainable tourism, forging a path that harmonizes exploration with conservation for a truly transformative experience.”

Adele Mackenzie, Editor, Tourism Update

There is a clear, strong demand for tourism to Africa from all corners of the globe. If we can increase continental collaboration and align policies we can address barriers to tourism such as visas and increased regional and international air access – including lowering pricing around flights, I believe Africa will not only see great post-COVID recovery but growth beyond the 2019 numbers.

George Ayisi- Head of Sales, Labadi Beach Hotel, Ghana

It has been a great year eventhough we are still in a recovery mood and that is a testament that the market is responding to the demands of this industry. Going forward, I expect that there will be enhanced airlift in Africa and seamless Visa facilitation for a robust growth in the tourism sector.

Lily Ajarova, CEO- Uganda Tourism Board

I believe to a large extent tourism and travel have recovered from the effect of covid 19. There are new trends set that require a lot of innovation and sustainable practices. Uganda is set and working hard to align its tourism offerings to the trends. Important too is improving domestic and regional tourism.

Mike Tavares, CEO, Ojimah

The end of the year is the perfect time to reflect and dream big for the year ahead. May 2024 be an opportunity for African Tourism to start things afresh, choose a more sustainable path forward, understand the need for more perspectives and diversity and lastly, an opportunity to embrace the rebirth of the Tourism era in the continent.

Lebawit Lily Girma, Founder, TourismLens.com

My sense is that 2024 will be a year of growth and opportunity for African tourism. There’s a fresh wave of excitement about experiencing the continent, from western source markets as well as from within the region as more visa restrictions are lifted. Morocco, Egypt and Rwanda are already on luxury travelers’ radars and likely to benefit, but for destinations that heavily rely on safaris there’s an opportunity to tie in major urban cultural events — amid a rise in solo and multigenerational trips — for a more diverse, sustainable tourism offering that travelers are increasingly seeking. Of course there will be challenges, such as air connectivity/cost, and tourists looking more closely than ever at destination safety and regional stability.

Uche Amoge, CCTV Africa

“We will never see a year like 2023 again, it redefined political landscapes in Africa mostly for bad. “Nigeria in particular will suffer the ambush by political contractors for a long time and Africa weeps for her giant”

Andrew kitema

Managing Co-owner – African Adventure Specialists

Visitors from around the world will no longer require a Visa to enter Kenya from January 2024. This was announced by president Ruto on 12 December 2023. This is a bold move from which it will not only see arrivals into Kenya spiral up but also inject the much-needed foreign exchange into the economy.

Manteh Bugunde, The Daily Mail

“Uganda is about losing its position as the Pearl of Africa because of crude oil discovery. It shouldn’t kill tourism, rather learn sustainability from Saudi Arabia and UAE. Tourism is gold”.

Gabe Onah, Chairman, Cross River Carnival Commission

“We have sustained the economy of the state with tourism. Tourism can do more for us if we invest more in it, encourage locals to buy into it, offer tourists opportunity to relax and invest back into our environment”.

Obinna Emelike,

Assistant Editor, Business Day

With Rwanda taking the lead in borderless Africa with its visa-free policy, Kenya joining from this 2024 and Malawi coming up with its ‘Golden Visa’ initiative, I see more African countries offering Visa free to other Africans. This is a starting point to seamless movement, boost to intra-African travels and economic growth. But gaints such as Nigeria, South Africa and Egypt are still shying away from the noble initiative.

Kingsley Uranta

Assistant General Manager- Channels TV,Nigeria

In 2024, I envision Africa’s tourism flourishing as a beacon of original beauty. With strategic development, cutting-edge technology, and powerful marketing, we will unveil the continent’s hidden gems. Embracing its rich culture and warm hospitality, Africa will stand as the last frontier for unparalleled, awe-inspiring experiences, captivating the world.”

Source: Voyages Afriq

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