Last month’s International Luxury Travel Marketplace (ILTM), held at The Norval Foundation in Cape Town, South Africa, provided many insights on the continent’s bevy of options for luxury travel experiences.

Joyce Oladeinde, Co-Founder, Crescendo Digital, spoke to attendees about how Africa is so often misunderstood by the rest of the world and treated as a single entity. However, she noted that it’s the second largest continent in the world and also the most linguistically diverse, with more than 2,000 languages—not to mention being the birthplace of humanity and having the youngest population in the world, with an average age of 19 years old.

“One of the biggest misconceptions when it comes to travel marketing is treating Africa as one place and one destination,” she said. “I want to change that mindset and emphasize that Africa is 54 countries, each with its own cultures, languages, and landscapes. We need to move beyond the one-size-fits-all strategy and instead highlight both the rich diversity and beauty of pan-African and cross-border experiences.”

As examples, she noted that Mauritius in East Africa is home to an underwater waterfall. The Seychelles boast the second-best beach in the world and are a stunning destination for honeymooners and luxury travelers. And while Africa is thought of as a hot weather destination, travelers can visit ski resorts in Morocco and Lesotho.

Megan De Jager, the Portfolio Director for Africa Travel Week and ILTM, said that in the past, luxury travel on the continent was all about high-end lodges, whereas now we’re starting to see a much bigger trend towards experiences.

“People want to go in and they want to experience the local culture,” De Jager said. “And if you’re looking at art, which is a tourism sector that’s grown, visitors don’t simply want to come and walk into a gallery. They want to meet with the artists. They want to see the crafters. Some of our hotels have significant art on the walls, where they do gallery tours—it’s no longer walking into a hotel and thinking, ‘Oh, it’s really pretty.’ Gastronomy always remains important here. Wine tourism is something that we’ve seen pick up. And we’re also seeing bursts of travel, with people coming for shorter trips, but they’re packing a lot in.”

De Jager noted that another important trend is ethical and sustainable travel. DMOs and tourism companies here are looking at inclusivity in the communities and asking, “How are we offsetting carbon footprints?” The other big change she sees is a shift toward focusing on regions of Africa for inbound luxury tourists, instead of individual countries. “For example, East Africa is marketing itself as one block. So, on one trip, you may tour through Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, and then come through to South Africa,” she said. 

Something for everyone

“For traveler advisors, selling Africa presents an incredible opportunity, from high-value bookings to repeat business, and contributing to the conservation and community development of each local community in individual countries,” Oladeinde said. “For example, you can experience world class resorts and boutiques in East Africa; there are so many beautiful islands, which are great for wellness seekers or luxury private retreats. And for cultural explorers, who really want to experience the heritage of different countries, there’s so much Africa has to offer.”

Different parts of the continent offer very unique experiences, such as:

• In North Africa, visitors find a region where the lands of ancient civilizations meet the Sahara. This area is known for an abundance of UNESCO World Heritage Sites across Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. There are also world-class beach resorts on the Mediterranean Ocean and the Red Sea. Visits can include everything from camel treks to luxury camp resorts.

• West Africa, which is often overlooked, you’ll find strong tradition and culture. There’s much to explore, including myriad festivals. Nigeria is home to the heart of Afrobeat music, and features many music, film, and book festivals. For a lot of the African diaspora travelers from America, visiting the historical Atlantic slave trade sites are an opportunity to connect with their roots and learn more about the culture. There’s even plenty of water activities in lesser-known places like São Tomé and Príncipe, an island nation off the coast of Gabon.

• East Africa, perhaps most famous for the Great Migration, which you can experience across Tanzania and Kenya, is the largest movement of mammals in the world. It’s also a great place to experience the culture of some of the nomad tribes and immerse yourself into , and you get to learn a lot more and reimburse yourself into their way of life. This is also really great destination for gastronomy, especially in Kenya, Zambia, and Tanzania. Plus, Tanzania’s “spice island” of Zanzibar is famed for producing and exporting spices such as cumin, nutmeg, and cinnamon.

• Southern Africa has an abundance of wildlife safari parks, such as Kruger National Park, and visitors can also marvel at Victoria Falls in Zambia, which is one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Here, they can indulge in wine and gastronomic experiences. The country of South Africa itself is one of the top wine destinations in the world; here, you can unwind and experience local specialties like Pinotage, along with luxury lodges designed for wellness experiences.

Source: Travelpulse

The Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) has commenced a crucial season of board elections across its membership categories, ahead of the much-anticipated KATA Annual General Meeting and Convention set to take place from 26th to 28th June 2025 at PrideInn Paradise Beach Resort, Mombasa.

As part of the lead-up to the national elections, the Association successfully conducted two director elections this past week:

• On 14th May 2025, Allied Members elected their board representative during a meeting held at Trademark Suites, Enaki Town, Nairobi, re-electing Grace Ndungu for another term.

• On 15th May 2025, the Coastal Region Liaison Board election was held at Voyager Beach Resort, Mombasa, where Patrick Maina Kamanga was also re-elected as the regional director.

Both directors expressed gratitude for the renewed trust placed in their leadership. “I am deeply thankful for the support and confidence shown once again,” said Ms. Ndungu. “I will continue advocating for our growth as Allied members and encourage everyone to embrace progress, especially by upgrading to IATA Go-Lite status. “Mr Kamanga echoed a message of unity and regional strength, emphasizing the need for continuous engagement to address unique coastal travel business challenges.

Delivering an industry update during the Mombasa election, KATA Vice Chairman Hamisi Hassan applauded the vibrant turnout and called on members to remain united. “This association’s strength lies in our cohesion,” he said. “Stronger leadership across regions and categories positions us for a better business environment and long-term industry growth.”

Upcoming Election Highlights

• The Go-Lite Members’ Election will take place on Tuesday, 20th May 2025, from 9:00 AM, at Trademark Suites, Enaki Town, Nairobi.
• The final and most comprehensive election will be held during the KATA AGM and Convention in June, where members will vote in the Chairman, Vice Chairman, and other key board leadership positions.

These elections are more than procedural as they aim to usher in a leadership team that will push the Association and the travel industry forward, guiding strategy, advocacy, and member support into the next phase of growth.

Lomé, Togo – May 10,2025 – In a momentous ceremony held under the esteemed patronage of His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene, Chairman Gervais Koffi DJONDO founder of ECOBANK & ASKY was honored with the prestigious Lifetime Africa Achievement Prize – GLOBAL BANKING AND AVIATION EXCELLENCE IN AFRICA 2025 by the Millennium Excellence Foundation. This accolade recognizes his exceptional contributions to the advancement of Africa and his unwavering commitment to sustainable development across the continent.

The event, which took place at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, brought together distinguished leaders, dignitaries, and luminaries from various sectors, all gathered to celebrate the remarkable achievements of individuals who have made significant impacts in their communities and beyond. In his acceptance speech, Chairman DJONDO expressed profound gratitude for the recognition, stating, “This award is not just a personal honor; it is a testament to the collective efforts of all those who have worked tirelessly to uplift ECOBANK & ASKY and foster sustainable development in Africa. Together, we can continue to build a brighter future for our continent.” Chairman DJONDO emphasized the importance of collaboration and innovation in addressing the challenges faced by Africa today. He called upon leaders, entrepreneurs, and youth to unite in their efforts to harness the continent’s vast potential. “We must invest in our people, our resources, and our ideas. The future of Africa depends on our ability to work together and support one another,” he urged.

The Millennium Excellence Foundation, known for its commitment to promoting excellence and innovation in Africa, has been instrumental in honoring individuals who have made substantial contributions to the continent’s development. The 25th Lifetime Africa Achievement Prize is awarded to those whose work has had a lasting impact on the lives of others. ASKY congratulates its Chairman on this prestigious award, which underlines the airline’s commitment to serving as a tool for sub-regional and Pan-African integration.

India’s leading airline, IndiGo, has reached an agreement with travel technology leader Amadeus to provide travel sellers around the world with access to the airline’s NDC content via the Amadeus Travel Platform.

IndiGo has decided to rely on Amadeus for its unique and robust offering, which combines state-of-the-art airline and distribution technology with an unmatched market reach. The airline, which will carry more than 110 million passengers in 2024 and has growth ambitions backed by one of the largest aircraft order books in the industry, will strengthen its competitive edge through access to new markets and customer segments, thanks to Amadeus’ 96% global market coverage of NDC-ready travel sellers across the globe.

NDC technology, with its standardized messaging, is a game changer in the distribution landscape. It opens up new opportunities for airlines to distribute their content to travel sellers even more efficiently and elevate their retailing to the next level. For corporate clients and travel agencies, NDC simplifies the booking process by providing direct access to IndiGo’s full range of products. This not only streamlines operations but also delivers the ability to offer exclusive deals and promotions tailored to individual traveler profiles.

With the Amadeus NDC capabilities and the seamless integration with the airline’s IT systems powered by Navitaire, IndiGo is able to build dynamically price-tailored offers and expose them to customers – boosting ancillary sales and optimizing the customer experience, regardless of which sales channel they choose quickly and efficiently. Indigo is already live with NDC booking and servicing capabilities in UAE and Singapore with other markets to follow.

IndiGo’s commitment to embracing NDC technology reflects its dedication to innovation and customer satisfaction. By providing greater access and reach of its products and services, IndiGo will be putting more control in the hands of its customers allowing them to make informed choices and enjoy a more seamless travel experience from booking to boarding.

Mr. Pieter Elbers, Chief Executive Officer, IndiGo, said, “IndiGo celebrated its 18th anniversary this year and introduced exciting new products, including IndiGoStretch, and IndiGo BluChip. This is a part of our strategy ‘Towards New Heights and across New Frontiers’ to address the evolving needs of the travelers. This agreement with Amadeus will enable us to take our Distribution Strategy to the next level and provide travelers, with our exciting new products, on an even greater scale, in India and around the world. Amadeus has built a deep integration into the ecosystem of travel sellers around the world, and this will enable IndiGo to leverage IATA’s NDC and ONE Order visions while ensuring an exceptional travel experience for our customers. Over the course of 18 years, IndiGo has revolutionized and democratized air travel in India and this agreement marks yet another important milestone in our journey to redefine air travel.”

Decius Valmorbida, President, Travel, Amadeus, said, “We look forward to working with IndiGo to simplify its distribution strategy and take advantage of new technology standards. Amadeus is the world’s largest travel distribution platform and the largest provider of IT solutions to airlines which puts us in a unique position to drive NDC forward. Our technology will enable the airline to easily tailor its offers using the latest merchandising capabilities, and efficiently present and distribute them in a way that enriches and enhances the shopping experience for its passengers and travel sellers worldwide.”

IndiGo features a fleet of over 350+ aircraft, with more than 2,000 daily flights connecting 120+ destinations, of which 34 are international. Last year, the carrier welcomed over 100 million passengers, focusing on affordable fares, on-time flights, and a hassle-free travel experience.

Source: Amadeus

Dubai’s Al Maktoum International Airport is progressing well and has seen contracts awarded and tenders prepared for the major transport hub, according to a senior aviation official.

Khalifa Al Zaffin, Executive Chairman of Dubai Aviation City Corporation (DACC), said that the Al Maktoum International Airport development project has seen tangible progress since the master plan was approved by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, in April 2024.

Speaking on the final day of the Airport Show 2025 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, Al Zaffin explained that contracts for enabling works and the construction of the second runway have already been awarded.

Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai
Other strategic projects, such as the automated people mover system and baggage handling system, have entered the tender phase, with contracts expected to be awarded later this year.

He added that the upcoming phase will include tenders for vital infrastructure works such as foundations and concrete works, central cooling stations, and 132 kV substations.

He confirmed that the project is proceeding on schedule under the supervision of the Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects Corporation.

Al Zaffin emphasised that Al Maktoum International Airport is one of the most strategic projects under the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), and it will enhance the emirate’s position as a global hub for aviation, logistics, and sustainable economy.

He noted that Emirates Airlines’ record revenues for 2024 reflect ongoing sector growth and underscore the importance of future infrastructure.

Al Zaffin outlined the first phase of the project, which includes the construction of a passenger terminal and four concourses.

This will raise the airport’s capacity to 150m passengers annually, eventually reaching 260m passengers and 12m tons of cargo in the final phase.

He confirmed that the airport’s location near Jebel Ali Port and the Free Zone helps establish an integrated multimodal logistics platform supporting “Dubai South,” offering living and employment opportunities for around one million people.

The project is also expected to stimulate the local economy by creating thousands of jobs and boosting sectors such as real estate, tourism, hospitality, air freight, and global supply chains.

Al Zaffin noted that the 70sq km airport will include more than 400 aircraft gates, an automated transport system, and advanced technologies including artificial intelligence, robotics, and biometric identification, all implemented with a strong commitment to sustainability and a target of achieving LEED Gold certification.

Regarding the transition from Dubai International Airport, he explained that the move will take place in an integrated and simultaneous manner to avoid operational disruptions.

The executive transition program is currently being coordinated with all relevant stakeholders.

He also highlighted that short- and medium-term solutions are being implemented to address traffic congestion around Dubai International Airport in collaboration with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).

These efforts have already resulted in noticeable improvements in traffic flow, with further steps planned to ensure accessibility until the full transition to Al Maktoum International Airport is completed.

Source: arabianbusiness.com

South Africa is preparing to host  Africa’s Travel Indaba 2025, the largest trade show on the continent, in Durban from 12 to 15 May.

Demand from businesses and buyers wanting to attend the annual event has surged this year, Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille said on Wednesday at the indaba’s launch. 

“As we go into Africa’s Travel Indaba 2025, we currently have participation from 26 African countries including South Africa. We have also seen consistent interest in the number of tourism products from across the continent,” she said.

More than 1 200 exhibitors had confirmed their attendance. “A total of 908 buyers have been vetted and approved, with 7 430 meetings already confirmed on the Indaba online diary platform. “Interest is surging from major markets including the United States, China, the United Kingdom and India. In fact, a total of 55 countries are represented in our buyer profile,” De Lille said. The indaba will feature discussions on how artificial intelligence (AI) can drive customer service improvements, streamline operations, enhance visitor experiences and optimise marketing strategies.

“This will help tourism businesses, particularly small and medium enterprises, harness the power of AI to stay competitive in the global tourism market,” De Lille said. “This year’s indaba will also highlight opportunities for cross-border tourism collaborations and regional destination marketing to increase the value of Africa’s tourism offering. “DE Lille said 1 000 jobs had been created for youth, students and entrepreneurs at the 2024 trade show.

“A total of 9 000 delegates walked the hall of indaba, 1 200 exhibitors shared their dreams, 24 000 business meetings turned ideas into action and R226 million in direct economic activity was generated right here in Durban, with another R333 million rippling across KwaZulu-Natal,” she said. The department of tourism had funded 120 small, micro and medium enterprises to attend the event in 2024, and would do so again this year.

De Lille said sports, adventure tourism and medical tourism were major drawcards to the country.

“In 2024 adventure tourists made up 8.8% of tourists to South Africa, which is over 700 000 of the 8.2 million arrivals in 2023. Adventure tourists to South Africa stay five nights longer and spend almost three times more than the average tourist to South Africa,” she said. “Adventure tourism speaks to the heartbeat of the new traveller — those seeking meaning, authenticity and magic. From the quiet beauty of the Karoo to the wild trails of the Drakensberg, we invite the world to lose themselves in Africa — and in doing so, find something deeper.”

She said by the end of November more than 200 G20-related meetings would be hosted in the country, which currently holds the presidency of the grouping. “This cements the message: tourism is not a side act in our economic story — it is centre stage,” De Lille said, adding that the sector was “regaining momentum” after the ravages of Covid-19, contributing 8.2% to GDP in 2023 compared with 9.5% before the pandemic.

“Last year, nearly nine million international visitors arrived in South Africa – 76% from fellow African nations. The tourism sector already supports 1.68 million jobs, set to grow to over 2.2 million by the end of the decade,” she noted.

Source: The Mail & Guardian

Non-Kenyan residents travelling to Kenya for less than 12 months may soon be required to register their travel health insurance under the Social Health Authority (SHA), following a recent development.

This comes after Principal Secretaries for Medical Services and Immigration and Citizen Services, Dr. Ouma Oluga and Dr. Belio Kipsang, met on Thursday, May 8, to deliberate on the matter.

In a statement released after the meeting, the PSs stated that the discussion was in line with President William Ruto’s directive.

“Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Dr. Ouma Oluga, today paid a courtesy call on the Principal Secretary for Immigration and Citizen Services, Dr. Belio Kipsang, to deliberate on the implementation of the Mandatory Inbound Travel Health Insurance under the Social Health Authority,” read part of the statement.

The two held a consultative meeting at Dr. Kipsang’s Nairobi office, focusing on how their respective departments can collaborate to operationalise the Presidential directive requiring non-Kenyans staying in Kenya for less than twelve months to possess valid travel health insurance. Also in attendance was the Director General for Health, Dr. Patrick Amoth.

The development comes as the government seeks to enhance the uptake of insurance under the Social Health Authority (SHA), launched in October last year as part of efforts to achieve Universal Health Coverage.

In November, the government directed the Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA) to compile a list of competent insurance companies that could offer the mandatory travel health insurance cover to individuals entering the country.

In a letter to the IRA Chief Executive Officer, Godfrey Kiptum, then Principal Secretary for Medical Services Harry Kimtai, noted that the selected companies would provide travel health insurance cover for all short-term visitors to Kenya.

“The purpose of this letter, therefore, is to request you to urgently provide us with a list of licensed or approved inbound travel health insurance products or providers for the purposes of undertaking a restricted tendering process,” read part of the letter.

“Providers listed will then be issued with a request for proposal with the appropriate specifications.”

This means that any insurance company seeking to offer the new travel health insurance product must apply to the IRA for registration as a provider.

“In this regard, the Ministry of Health has commenced the process of establishing the necessary administrative framework for the implementation of the policy and legal requirements,” Kimtai stated.

Source: Kenyans.co.ke

Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania have proposed a special ‘PAMOJA Visa’ to facilitate cross-border travel during the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN), which the three countries are set to co-host in August.

Described as a special multiple-entry pass, the PAMOJA Visa is part of a wider set of cross-border facilitation measures being discussed by the East African co-hosts. The aim is to enable smooth movement for players, officials, fans, and media personnel attending the month-long tournament across the three nations.

According to a statement issued on Friday by Juney Karisa, Head of Public Communications at Kenya’s Ministry of Youth Affairs, the Creative Economy and Sports, the PAMOJA Visa stands out among the key proposals supporting tournament operations.

“The three nations also discussed cross-border facilitation measures to ensure the smooth movement of players, officials, and fans. Among the proposals is the introduction of a ‘PAMOJA Visa’ or a special multiple-entry pass to guarantee regional mobility and coordinate a unified security framework,” the statement read.

The visa proposal was presented during a high-level virtual interministerial meeting chaired by CAF Secretary General Veron Mosengo-Omba. The meeting also covered updates on logistical preparations, including venue selection and infrastructure readiness.

If approved, the PAMOJA Visa would apply primarily to visitors from outside the East African region – such as CAF officials, football fans, international journalists, and national team delegations. It is expected to streamline travel by reducing bureaucratic delays and enhancing the overall experience for CHAN 2025 attendees.

East African nationals, however, may not require the visa. Citizens of Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and other East African Community (EAC) member states already benefit from existing protocols that allow free movement across borders using national IDs or passports.

Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, the Creative Economy and Sports, Hon. Salim Mvurya, reaffirmed Kenya’s readiness to meet CAF standards in both infrastructure and planning.

“We have already paid the hosting rights for CHAN. Our earmarked venues meet the required standards and are ready to support the extensive logistical operations needed for such a world-class event,” he said.

“We have brought together multidisciplinary teams within our organising committees to adhere to CAF’s guidelines, just as we successfully did during the CHAN draws. Kenya is committed to working closely with CAF to deliver a stellar and memorable tournament experience,” he added.

Mvurya’s remarks were echoed by his counterparts Hon. Peter Ogwang of Uganda and Hon. Hamisi Mwinjuma of Tanzania, who reiterated their countries’ joint commitment to delivering a smooth and united edition of the tournament.

CAF Secretary General Veron Mosengo-Omba welcomed the regional cooperation and called for swift finalisation of key logistics.

“The confirmation of venues and logistics will enable our advance teams to commence on-the-ground preparations for the August championship. CAF is fully committed to supporting Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania in turning this historic joint bid into a resounding success,” he said.

Source: The Eastleigh Voice

A surge in solo travellers, particularly those flocking to affordable hostels in Asia, is reshaping the travel industry, according to Hostelworld’s CEO Gary Morrison.The industry has historically focused on couples, often overlooking the needs and desires of individual adventurers, he said.

The shift is fuelled by a rise in “solo by circumstance” travel, where individuals find themselves alone due to life changes like relocation or relationship breakups, rather than a deliberate choice to travel solo, he said.“To a large extent, the travel industry has been kind of closed off to solo travellers and it doesn’t really cater to them,” Mr Morrison said.“Every single hotel room is for two people.“I think, in the longer term, other parts of the travel industry will start catering to solo travellers – which is, to stop charging them for two-person rooms.”

Hostelworld, which is a platform for hostels around the world, has been involved in the social side of travel through its chat room app which launched after the Covid pandemic.It works by connecting people who have booked into hostels in a particular destination, allowing them to co-ordinate plans or find like-minded people staying in the same place.Bookings data from the platform show the proportion of solo travellers had risen from 57 per cent in 2021 to 63 per cent in 2024.

Furthermore, young female backpackers have become the fastest-growing group, spurred on by increasing opportunities to group up with others or enhanced safety measures including the availability of female-only hostel dormitories.Mr Morrison said the “vast majority” of European travellers were going to Asia, particularly Thailand, because of the appeal of cheaper hostel rooms and living expenses.He admitted that the shift “obviously hurts revenues” for Hostelworld, which last month said its average booking values had dropped from €14.36 (£12.26) in 2023 to €13.21 (£11.28) in 2024.Mr Morrison said the company had set its sights on creating the “world’s largest travel network”.

It does not make money from people using the chat function, but the engagement is seen as driving bookings as people recommend hostel stays, or even make cheap bookings in order to access the feature.

Source: Independent