Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) have embarked on an exceptional new phase to increase Dubai’s share in the global medical tourism market.
This effort aims to cement Dubai’s position as the preferred and most distinguished destination for healthcare, quality of life, and overall happiness.
The two entities reinforced their partnership to achieve this strategic goal by recently signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (left in the image), and Awadh Seghayer Al Ketbi, Director General of the Dubai Health Authority (right in the image), signed the MoU in the presence of several officials and experts from both sides.
The MoU’s objectives and areas of cooperation are based on the Dubai Health Authority’s focus on achieving competitiveness, operational efficiency, and transparency, while ensuring the quality of healthcare services and products in accordance with approved policies and the highest global standards.
It also aims to foster and support innovation and future foresight across all healthcare fields. Additionally, it aligns with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33 to further consolidate Dubai’s position as a leading global destination for business and leisure. This includes making the city the best place in the world to visit, live and work in, while enhancing its competitiveness in global economic and tourism indices and reinforcing the emirate’s stability and role as a global hub for economy, trade, tourism, logistics, and investment.
Budget airline Skyward Express is launching direct flights from Nairobi to Dar es Salaam on 15 November 2024, marking its first international route. The airline will operate three weekly flights using a Fokker 100 aircraft. This expansion adds competition to the route, which is also served by Kenya Airways and Air Tanzania.
Skyward Express currently operates domestic flights within Kenya and recently opened a new hub at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. The airline aims to attract business professionals and tourists, capitalising on growing visitor numbers between Kenya and Tanzania.
The number of visitors from Kenya to Tanzania has grown significantly, increasing 2.8 times last year to 89,000, driven mainly by holidaymakers and business travellers. This new route is expected to further boost tourism and business connections between the two East African nations.
Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano has announced free entry to all game parks and reserves for Kenyans on Saturday, September 28, as part of the UN World Tourism Week celebrations kicking off on Monday.
This initiative aims to promote domestic tourism and encourages Kenyans to explore and appreciate the nation’s rich heritage, according to Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano.
During a World Rhino Day event at Sereolipi School in Samburu County on Sunday, CS Miano emphasized the importance of this opportunity.
“The culmination of this significant event will allow Kenyans free access to all game parks and reserves on Saturday, September 28, 2024,” she stated.
Miano urged citizens to take full advantage of the chance to discover the country’s natural attractions.
“I encourage Kenyans to turn out in large numbers to see what our parks and reserves have to offer,” she added. The CS also reminded visitors to adhere to safety regulations while exploring these wildlife-rich areas.
This year’s UN World Tourism Day will focus on the crucial role of the tourism sector in promoting peace, fostering cultural understanding, and supporting reconciliation efforts worldwide. The theme, Tourism and Peace, underscores the connection between travel and peaceful coexistence.
Regarding rhino conservation, Miano highlighted Kenya’s commitment to protecting rhino populations and other wildlife for future generations.
At the Ministry level, we have embraced innovative technologies such as drones and forensic evidence to strengthen our rhino conservation efforts,” she explained.
#WorldRhinoDay is an international ecological observance celebrated on 22nd September to raise awareness of the need to protect rhinos.
Together with our dedicated partners, we are committed to ensuring that rhino populations continue to grow and thrive in their natural… pic.twitter.com/vh4ByeF4AQ
“I assure the global community that Kenya will continue playing its part in wildlife conservation, especially in expanding rhino ranges and ensuring their protection for posterity.”
Kenya’s Rhino Population
Kenya is a vital habitat for the eastern black rhino subspecies, which can be found in the Maasai Mara Game Reserve, Sera Community Conservancy, and five private sanctuaries in the Laikipia region. Laikipia alone is home to over half of Kenya’s total rhino population.
CS Miano noted that the implementation of the previous six editions of the rhino recovery action plan, along with the ongoing seventh edition, has increased black rhino populations by over 100 percent.
In 1989, Kenya’s rhino population stood at fewer than 400. By the end of 2022, estimates had surged to an impressive 1,890 rhinos, including 966 black rhinos, 922 white rhinos, and two northern whites.
Kenya currently ranks third in black rhino population, following South Africa and Namibia.
Miano indicated that the ongoing national wildlife census may reveal even higher rhino numbers than those recorded in 2022. She proudly noted, “Kenya is honored to host the world’s last remaining female northern white rhino, following the death of Sudan in 2018. His stuffed figurine now resides at the Nairobi National Museums as a lasting relic of an extraordinary species in our diverse wildlife portfolio.”
Additionally, Miano expressed optimism about the efforts of the Wildlife Research and Training Institute and other global researchers working to revive the northern white rhino from extinction.
“This ambitious and commendable effort aims to create northern white rhino embryos from genetic material and eventually implant them into southern white rhino females to produce calves,” she said.
NAIROBI, Kenya, Sep 18 – As we approach World Tourism Day, it’s an opportune moment to reflect on the role Travel Management Companies (TMCs) play in fostering justice and peace.
TMCs Roundtable at KATA Offices: Industry leaders tackle travel sector challenges, brainstorm innovative solutions/ Photo Credits: Bryan Obala
This year’s theme encourages a deep and thoughtful examination of tourism’s impact on various global issues.
For Kenya, a country renowned for its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, this reflection is especially pertinent. As the Managing Director of Hemingways Travel, I am excited to explore how these organizations can drive positive change by addressing migration, social equity, climate justice, diplomacy, and cultural preservation.
Kenya’s tourism sector is a significant economic driver, but it also brings complex challenges.
The influx of visitors can impact local communities in various ways, necessitating a focus on equitable benefit distribution.
Travel agencies should prioritize supporting local businesses, fostering fair employment opportunities, and advocating for policies that safeguard vulnerable populations.
By promoting local engagement and ensuring that tourism revenues are channeled back into the communities that host travelers, they can help bridge the gap between tourists and residents, fostering a more inclusive and equitable tourism model.
Hemingways has been at the forefront of supporting rugby in Kenya and has partnered with some institutions in assisting less privileged members of the society in Kenya with food and basic commodities.
As a TMC we have been championing carbon emission reduction by ensuring our clients have adequate information of the carbon generated on all of their travel activities together with possible offset mechanisms.
Furthermore, addressing migration issues is critical. In Kenya, migration from rural to urban areas can strain infrastructure and resources.
TMCs can contribute to easing these pressures by developing tourism initiatives in less-visited regions, thereby distributing economic benefits more evenly and supporting rural development.
Encouraging travel to diverse destinations helps balance the influx of visitors and stimulates growth in underrepresented areas.
Climate change poses a significant threat to Kenya, with its impacts felt through extreme weather events and environmental degradation.
We play a crucial role in promoting sustainability within the tourism industry.
By advocating for and implementing eco-friendly practices, supporting conservation projects, and educating travelers about responsible behaviors, these entities can contribute to climate justice.
We must lead by example, incorporating green practices into our operations, such as reducing carbon footprints and supporting sustainable transportation options.
Collaborating with local conservation organizations to create eco-tourism experiences allows travelers to directly contribute to environmental protection.
By making sustainability a core aspect of our business, travel services can help set a benchmark for the industry and drive meaningful progress toward climate justice.
Furthermore, addressing migration issues is critical. In Kenya, migration from rural to urban areas can strain infrastructure and resources.
TMCs can contribute to easing these pressures by developing tourism initiatives in less-visited regions, thereby distributing economic benefits more evenly and supporting rural development.
Encouraging travel to diverse destinations helps balance the influx of visitors and stimulates growth in underrepresented areas.
Climate change poses a significant threat to Kenya, with its impacts felt through extreme weather events and environmental degradation.
We play a crucial role in promoting sustainability within the tourism industry.
By advocating for and implementing eco-friendly practices, supporting conservation projects, and educating travelers about responsible behaviors, these entities can contribute to climate justice.
We must lead by example, incorporating green practices into our operations, such as reducing carbon footprints and supporting sustainable transportation options.
Collaborating with local conservation organizations to create eco-tourism experiences allows travelers to directly contribute to environmental protection.
By making sustainability a core aspect of our business, travel services can help set a benchmark for the industry and drive meaningful progress toward climate justice.
Travel businesses have a key role in developing tourism that celebrates and preserves local traditions rather than commodifying them.
We should work closely with local communities to create tourism initiatives that highlight and protect their cultural heritage.
This includes supporting traditional festivals, crafts, and indigenous practices.
By promoting authentic experiences and educating travelers about the importance of cultural preservation, we can contribute positively to the safeguarding of Kenya’s cultural richness.
In anticipation of World Tourism Day, it is crucial for TMCs to reaffirm our commitment to justice and peace through the following actions:
Promote Inclusive Tourism: Ensure that tourism benefits are shared fairly among local communities. Support local enterprises, create equitable job opportunities, and advocate for inclusive policies.
Champion Sustainability: Adopt and promote eco-friendly practices across our operations. Encourage clients to choose sustainable travel options and engage in conservation efforts.
Foster Diplomacy: Use tourism as a platform for cultural exchange and international understanding.
Facilitate respectful and meaningful interactions between travelers and local communities.
Preserve Cultural Heritage: Collaborate with local communities to develop tourism that respects and celebrates their cultural heritage.
Educate travelers on the importance of cultural preservation.
As World Tourism Day approaches, let us embrace this opportunity to reflect on and enhance our role in promoting justice and peace.
By addressing migration, social equity, climate justice, diplomacy, and cultural preservation, travel management companies can lead the way in creating a tourism industry that benefits all stakeholders and contributes positively to Kenya and the broader global community.
Together, we can harness the power of tourism to foster a more just and peaceful world.
Hemingways Travel Managing Director, Joseph Kithitu
We were honored to welcome the Malaysian High Commissioner, Amb. Ruzami Mohamad, for a recent courtesy visit, where we discussed some thrilling developments in the world of travel. As part of this meeting, the High Commissioner confirmed the exciting news that AirAsia is expanding its wings to Nairobi, with the introduction of a new direct flight from Nairobi to Kuala Lumpur. This new route is a game-changer for Kenyan travelers and our member agents, offering numerous opportunities for expanding travel options and services.
From left to right: KATA Board Director Said Tahir, CEO Nicanor Sabula, Honorary Secretary Margaret Gitonga presenting the KATA Travel Agents Directory to Malaysian High Commissioner to Kenya Ruzami Mohamad, KATA Vice Chairman Hamisi Hassan, and AirAsia representatives from Kenya. Photo credits: Bryan Obala.
Gateway to Asia Pacific
The launch of this direct flight doesn’t just reduce travel time and cost—it opens a door to a world of possibilities. Kuala Lumpur, a vibrant city known for its rich culture, towering skyscrapers, and world-class shopping, is now just a short journey away from Nairobi. But that’s not all. Kuala Lumpur serves as a key hub in Asia, connecting travelers to over 23 countries through AirAsia’s extensive network. This means that your clients can explore destinations like Thailand, Japan, South Korea, China, and beyond with ease, all from a single gateway.
Why This Matters to Our Members
The new route means more than just a new destination—it’s an opportunity to offer more diverse travel packages at competitive prices. With Kuala Lumpur as a starting point, your clients can now enjoy multi-destinations itineraries that are cost-effective and time-efficient. A flight that took over 19 hours is now going to be 9 hours, saving most of the travelers valuable time to maximize their leisure and business travel.
With Kuala Lumpur emerging as a financial and technological hub, your clients can now take advantage of more convenient travel for business meetings, conferences, and collaborations across Asia Pacific. This opens doors to new markets, expanding business travel services that our members can offer to corporate clients.
As always, KATA remains dedicated to ensuring that our members can capitalize on new opportunities and deliver exceptional experiences to travelers. We’re excited to see how this new direct route will help foster deeper connections between Kenya and Asia, and ultimately, drive growth in the travel industry.
Together with the Malaysian High Commission and AirAsia, we are excited to bring this new chapter in travel to life for all Kenyans. Get ready to help your clients explore Asia’s hidden gems, and let’s create unforgettable travel experiences!
The push to reduce the cost of air transport within East Africa has gained momentum with the East African Community submitting regulations to support liberalization of air transport.
The regulations highlighting how to leverage airfare, packing fees and other levies charged by airlines are to be submitted to the 19th Meeting of the Sectoral Council on Transport, Communication and Meteorology (TCM) for adoption next month.
East African airlines, Kenya Airways, Ugandan Airlines, Air Tanzania and RwandAir, sometimes charge fares as high as $800 dollar for a return ticket between Kigali and Zanzibar. This should be far less.
This month, a ticket between Kigali and Zanzibar was $380 for one-way flight, and $562 for a round trip.
The proposed guidelines are meant to reduce airfares, save time on connecting flights and ease movement of people and cargo within the region.
Veronica Nduva, EAC Secretary-General, told The EastAfrican that once approved air transport services in the region will be liberalized and the partner states will subsequently be negotiating under multilateral air service agreements.”
Without an open airspace regime in place, African countries have been relying on bilateral air services agreements, presenting the challenges of multiple negotiations with several countries.
“The liberalization of the air transport operations in the region is expected to lower fares, improve connectivity, stimulate demand for air travel and cargo and eventually support the expansion of air transport capacities in the region,” Ms. Nduva said.
The private sector in East Africa has raised concerns that it takes more than 24 hours to connect between capitals of EAC partner states, the same duration one would take to fly to Australia.
“I have once taken 24 hours to fly from Kigali to Zanzibar when, in 24 hours, I’d have moved from Arusha to Australia,” said Dennis Karera, vice-chairperson of the East African Business Council.
“In 2015, we were requested by the heads of state to present a study on the opening of the skies but, 10 years later, we are still discussing. This is one item we need to take back to the summit level and try to resolve.”
Liberalization could open new routes and more frequencies that would eventually shorten the flying time between cities.
Part of the reason air travel is expensive and cumbersome within the EAC, and the rest of Africa is the failure by countries to ratify and implement the African Union’s Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM).
SAATM, which is a flagship project of the AU Agenda 2063, is meant to create a single air transport market in Africa to advance the liberalization of civil aviation on the continent.
The SAATM was created to expedite the full implementation of the Yamoussoukro Decision, which provides for the liberalization of scheduled and non-scheduled air transport services within Africa and aims at removing restrictions on traffic rights, capacity and frequency between city pairs.
It has precedence over any multilateral or bilateral agreements on air services between state parties and focuses on internal market liberalization and fair competition as key development strategies while also addressing safety, security and environment challenges.
Ms. Nduva said that EAC partner states have committed to fully implement the SAATM as part of the Common Market Protocol and in line with the ongoing efforts by the African Union Commission (AUC) and the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) to operationalize the SAATM on the continent.
“Three EAC partner states, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya and Rwanda, have joined the SAATM. The remaining partner states have committed to finalize national consultations to join by December 2024,” the EAC boss said.
Tanzania has had the ratification on ice and has asked for more than five years to do so.
Uganda’s reluctance to join has been informed by a need to shield its national carrier from competition. But, early this year, Kampala changed its stance and is now keen to sign the SAATM “later in the year.” Authorities indicated that Uganda would join the open skies regime in the next financial year.
“We are left with approval by the Cabinet. Once that is done, we will be good to go,” said Fred Bamwesigye, director-general of Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCCA) at a meeting in Kampala early this year.
To date, 34 countries have signed up to the SAATM, representing over 80 percent of the aviation market in Africa.
Uganda plans to improve the Entebbe Airport as well as build infrastructure such as the Kabalega International Airport, to support traffic numbers resulting from the liberalization.
Tanzania, on its part, has been expanding its fleet.
Liberalization would lead to increased air service levels and lower fares, which in turn would stimulate additional traffic volumes, facilitates tourism, trade, investment and other sectors of the economy.
Ethiopia’s pursuit of liberalization on reciprocal basis has contributed to Ethiopian Airlines becoming the largest and most profitable carrier in Africa.
Research has found that on liberal intra-African routes Ethiopians benefit from 10-21 percent lower fares and 35-38 percent higher frequencies, compared to restricted routes.
The night tours will offer visitors an exclusive, after-hours experience, allowing them to explore NMK’s cultural treasures in an intimate and immersive way. The launch marks a significant milestone in enhancing the country’s cultural tourism offerings.
Speaking at the event, Jameel Verjee, Founder & CEO of CityBlue Hotels, emphasised the unique role NMK plays in preserving Kenya’s living cultural and natural heritage. “As CityBlue, we are proud to be part of NMK’s journey in heritage preservation. NMK manages a vast collection of regional museums, monuments, and sites of both national and international importance, and we are honoured to support the mission of contributing to the conservation and development of our nation’s rich cultural heritage,” he said.
Edwin Abonyo, Chair of NMK’s Board of Directors, expressed gratitude to CityBlue Hotels for their commitment to supporting heritage tourism. “CityBlue Hotels has been a steadfast supporter of NMK’s cultural initiatives. Their partnership reflects their dedication to enhancing the visitor experience, expanding NMK’s reach, and offering new opportunities for guests to delve deeper into Kenya’s heritage in a more engaging and intimate setting,” said Abonyo.
Abonyo also highlighted that this partnership will help reshape the perception of museums as places only for students.“Through this collaboration, we aim to reach a broader audience and offer dynamic cultural experiences. The partnership will focus on several areas, including the preservation and conservation of heritage, cultural exchange, educational opportunities, joint exhibitions, and revenue generation,” he added.
Prof. Mary Gikungu, Director General of NMK, also spoke at the launch, lauding the collaboration as a transformative step in NMK’s engagement with the private sector. “This partnership with CityBlue Hotels aligns with NMK’s mission to conserve Kenya’s cultural heritage and biodiversity. Together, we will create a unique experience for our visitors, and this collaboration will undoubtedly enhance NMK’s story,” she said.
Prof. Gikungu emphasised the exclusivity of the Museum Night Tours, designed to offer an uninterrupted exploration of NMK’s galleries, which include the Hall of Kenya, Great Hall of Mammals, Human Origins, Birds of East Africa, and the Contemporary Art Galleries, among others. Visitors will also experience the Cradle of Humankind gallery in an intimate setting.
Complementing the night tours will be refreshments and live entertainment featuring traditional cultural dancers, creating a vibrant Nairobi nightlife atmosphere at the museum. The tours will be available through advance bookings for groups of ten or more, providing a personalized experience.
In addition to the Museum Night Tours, NMK will continue to offer a variety of other services such as venues for hire for concerts, conferences, corporate product launches, weddings, photo sessions, and staff parties.
The International Exhibition of Medical Tourism is set to take place in Dubai on October 17-18, 2024, at the prestigious Habtoor Palace. This highly anticipated event will gather healthcare professionals, institutions, and medical tourism experts from around the globe, focusing on the latest advancements in medical technology, healthcare services, and tourism.
Organized by the International Chamber of Healthcare and Medical Tourism (ICHMT), the exhibition aims to foster a collaborative and innovative ecosystem where stakeholders from diverse healthcare sectors can come together to share knowledge, build partnerships, and explore opportunities to advance medical tourism. As Dubai continues to establish itself as a key player in global health tourism, this event promises to be a cornerstone in connecting industry leaders with the latest innovations and best practices.
ICHMT’s Vision and Mission
At ICHMT, the vision is clear: to create a world where every healthcare professional, institution, and business thrives in an ecosystem of collaboration and innovation. The Chamber envisions a future where global healthcare communities work seamlessly together, harnessing technological advancements and medical expertise to make high-quality healthcare accessible to all.
The Chamber’s mission focuses on promoting collaboration, fostering innovation, and maintaining excellence across the healthcare industry. By providing platforms like the International Exhibition of Medical Tourism, ICHMT encourages the exchange of knowledge, the formation of strategic partnerships, and the promotion of healthcare policies that improve the quality and affordability of medical services worldwide.
Why Dubai?
Dubai’s position as a hub for medical tourism has been solidified over recent years. In 2023, the emirate welcomed over 691,000 health tourists, generating more than AED 1.03 billion in healthcare spending. This success was built on the foundations laid in 2022, when health tourism in Dubai saw 674,000 visitors spending AED 992 million. The city’s state-of-the-art healthcare infrastructure, skilled medical professionals, and high standards in patient care make it an attractive destination for medical tourists from around the world.
Key Participants
The International Exhibition of Medical Tourism in Dubai will feature a wide range of participants, including:
Healthcare Professionals: Doctors, nurses, specialists, and allied health professionals.
Medical Tourism Facilitators: Agencies, hotels, and destination management companies.
Healthcare Institutions: Hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, and academic medical institutions.
Healthcare Industry Leaders: Pharmaceutical companies, medical device manufacturers, biotech firms, and health IT providers.
Wellness Practitioners: Experts in alternative therapies such as Ayurveda, traditional Chinese medicine, and holistic healthcare.
Government Agencies: Health ministries, regulatory bodies, and economic development agencies focused on promoting healthcare investment.
What to Expect at the Exhibition
Attendees can look forward to insightful keynote speeches, panel discussions, and workshops that delve into the future of medical tourism. Topics will range from innovations in medical technology and healthcare services to best practices in healthcare management, patient care, and international collaboration. Networking opportunities will allow participants to forge meaningful connections, explore business ventures, and discuss future collaborations in the healthcare and medical tourism sectors.
A Traveler’s Guide to Dubai During the Medical Tourism Exhibition
If you’re planning to visit Dubai for the International Exhibition of Medical Tourism, here’s a guide to help you make the most of your trip:
1. Getting There
Dubai International Airport (DXB) is one of the busiest and most well-connected airports in the world. Direct flights from major cities around the globe make it easy to reach Dubai. Once you land, the city’s modern transport system, including taxis, metro, and buses, will ensure smooth travel around the city.
2. Where to Stay
If you are attending the exhibition at Habtoor Palace, consider staying in one of the luxury hotels nearby. The Habtoor Palace itself offers an opulent stay, while other nearby options include the Waldorf Astoria and Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City.
3. Exploring Dubai
While in Dubai, make sure to explore the city’s iconic landmarks. From the towering Burj Khalifa to the enchanting Dubai Fountain, there’s no shortage of things to see. For more culturally inclined travelers, a visit to the Dubai Museum or a stroll through the historic Al Fahidi district is a must. And of course, don’t miss the opportunity to shop at the world-famous Dubai Mall or souks that offer a blend of modern and traditional goods.
4. Medical Tourism Services
If you’re in Dubai for medical purposes, the city offers a wide range of specialized treatments in areas like cardiology, fertility, cosmetic surgery, and wellness therapies. Make sure to research accredited healthcare facilities in advance and schedule consultations with specialists as required.
5. Dining and Entertainment
Dubai’s culinary scene is diverse and world-class, with a mix of traditional Middle Eastern flavors and international cuisine. After a long day at the exhibition, you can unwind at one of the city’s many high-end restaurants or enjoy an evening at Dubai’s beaches and nightlife spots.
6. Weather in October
Dubai in October enjoys warm weather, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C. While it’s cooler than the peak summer months, it’s still advisable to wear light, breathable clothing and stay hydrated while exploring the city.
Conclusion
The International Exhibition of Medical Tourism in Dubai is not just an event; it’s a gateway to the future of global healthcare collaboration. By bringing together medical professionals, industry leaders, and government bodies from around the world, the exhibition will drive innovation and progress in the medical tourism sector. As a visitor, you’ll also have the chance to experience Dubai’s world-renowned hospitality, cutting-edge healthcare services, and vibrant culture, making it a trip worth remembering.
Sabre Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is a security feature developed by Sabre Corporation, a global leader in travel technology. It protects user accounts and sensitive data by requiring multiple layers of identity verification before granting access to Sabre’s systems.
This two-step verification process ensures that even if a password is compromised, unauthorized access is prevented by requiring a second form of authentication. It is like adding a second lock to your home door. This is crucial in travel technology, where sensitive customer information and critical systems need protection.
MFA enhances security by combining different authentication methods, typically involving:
Something the user knows, such as a username and password.
Something the user has, like a mobile device that receives an authentication code or one-time password (OTP).
In line with global cybersecurity standards, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) promotes the use of MFA to comply with regulations like GDPR and PCI DSS, which safeguard sensitive passenger and payment information. IATA’s focus on robust cybersecurity supports Sabre’s MFA implementation, helping the travel industry maintain high data protection and operational security.
Don’t Get Left Behind – Secure Your Access Today!
As the cybersecurity landscape evolves, staying ahead of potential threats is crucial. Sabron Tech Ltd is committed to ensuring you’re fully prepared for this important security upgrade. Take Action Now:
Mark Your Calendar: Join our essential Sabron Tech Ltd Webinar on September 19, 2024, at 10:00 AM.
Get Informed: Learn everything you need to know about setting up and using Sabre MFA.
Don’t miss this opportunity to strengthen your security and protect your valuable data. Your account managers and Sabron Tech Social Media pages have additional details – reach out today!
Nairobi, 4th September 2024 – Kenya’s national carrier, Kenya Airways (KQ) has launched a revamped online booking platform, designed to deliver a faster, more intuitive, and user-friendly experience for its customers.
Building upon the successful launch of a new website last year, these latest developments mark the second phase in the airline’s ongoing commitment to enhance the online customer experience. The new booking engine is estimated to reduce the customers’ flight booking time on the website significantly as a result of faster loading times for page sessions, thus bringing to an end session timeouts and repeated prompts.
“Technology is a key driver in ensuring exceptional customer service. This revamped booking platform delivers a significantly smoother online experience, streamlining everything from flight searches to booking, payment, and check-in for our digital-savvy customers” says Julius Thairu, Chief Commercial and Customer Officer (CCCO) at Kenya Airways.
Concurrently, Kenya Airways has introduced a free online self-rebooking service for customers that will now allow KQ customers to rebook themselves seamlessly in case their flight is canceled or rescheduled without calling the contact center. This service gives guests the control to select the flight that is convenient for them based on their schedule. The self-rebooking service is available on this link: https://digital.kenya-airways.com/servicing/self-reaccommodation/retrieve
The new self-rebooking service will streamline the process of re-booking passengers during flight disruptions which was previously manual. By implementing the service KQ will significantly improve its ability to manage disruptions, ensuring that customers are quickly and efficiently re-booked on alternative flights with minimal inconvenience thus enhancing customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.
“Our goal is to streamline all our processes to ensure efficiency and convenience at all touch points in the customer journey by integrating technologically advanced solutions that give our guests control and allow them to self-service and save time.,” Julius noted. This move demonstrates the airline’s pursuit of innovation to enhance its digital operations and provide a rewarding travel booking experience for every customer.
This is underscored by a series of prestigious awards and nominations including the World Travel Tech Awards 2024 nomination, the e-commerce Leader Travel & Tourism Award (2023), Gold Winner for Best Ticketing Platform (2023 & 2024), Silver Winner for Best Travel & Hospitality e-commerce Website (2024), and Gold Winner for Best in E commerce Travel & Tourism (2021). These accolades recognize the airline’s dedication to e-commerce excellence, solidifying its position as a leader in the travel industry.
