AirAsia X executives visit KATA after opening the first sales office in Africa.

Bryan Obala

Kata_kenya

The Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) is delighted to announce a courtesy visit from the Chief Executive Officer of AirAsia X Mr. Benyamin Ismail and the Group Chief Commercial Officer of AirAsia Group Mr. Paul Carroll. The high-level delegation met with KATA board members to discuss the recent opening of AirAsia’s inaugural sales office in Africa, the upcoming inaugural flight to Nairobi on November 15, and the exciting opportunities available for travel agents to partner with the airline.

During the meeting, AirAsia executives expressed their enthusiasm for the African market and highlighted the potential for significant growth in the coming years. They emphasized the airline’s commitment to providing affordable fares and exceptional customer service, making it an attractive option for both leisure and business travelers.

KATA board of directors welcomed AirAsia’s expansion into Africa and expressed their support for the airline’s initiatives. They discussed the potential benefits of partnering with AirAsia, including increased revenue streams, access to new markets, and opportunities for professional development.

The meeting also focused on the support that travel agents can provide to AirAsia in promoting its services and attracting customers. KATA pledged its commitment to working closely with the airline to ensure a successful launch and ongoing partnership.

As AirAsia prepares for its inaugural flight to Nairobi, the airline’s presence in Africa is expected to have a significant impact on the continent’s tourism industry. With its affordable fares and extensive network, AirAsia is poised to become a major player in the African aviation market.

We see potential in this partnership and believe AirAsia‘s entry into the Kenyan market will create opportunities for our members, including new revenue streams and professional development, opening access to 150 underserved destinations and enhance connectivity. Air Asia will operate 4 flights a week and target 150,000 passengers annually.
Others present were Allenie Caccam Business Growth Head and Siew Lee Group Head of Sales and Distribution.

Dubai Calendar unveils exciting line-up of events for October 2024

Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Dubai Calendar, the city’s official event listings platform, has unveiled a diverse range of events for October 2024, showcasing thrilling sports competitions, captivating live performances, and engaging community activities. October promises a month filled with unforgettable experiences for all, including shows by global music icons and thrilling athletic performances that will have everyone on the edge of their seat. From the legendary British band Kasabian to the Grammy Award winner Calvin Harris, and the dazzling performance of Cinderella on Ice, prepare for a month filled with excitement and entertainment like never before!

Below are Dubai Calendar’s top picks of upcoming events for October:

COMMUNITY

Global Village

Date: 16 October – 11 May

Location: Global Village

About: Global Village is reopening its gates for its 29th season. Featuring 26 pavilions with 3,500 displays from countries near and far, visitors can pick up traditional handicrafts and snacks from more than 200 eateries. Highlights include mesmerising fire-breathing performances, star-studded concerts, and exhilarating stunt shows, ensuring there is something exciting for everyone.

Gault and Millau Culinary Innovators

Date: 24 – 26 October

Location: ICD Brookfield Place

About: Prepare for an extraordinary culinary experience as Dubai’s talented chefs unite for Gault&Millau’s inaugural Culinary Innovators showcase. This unique event, a first of its kind in the UAE, brings together 12 of Dubai’s most acclaimed chefs for a spectacular three-night pop-up.

SPORTS

Dubai Basketball Club

Date: 22 September – 31 May

Location: Coca-Cola Arena

About: Grab your seats as Dubai’s new basketball team begins its 2024/5 season. Get courtside as Dubai Basketball takes on reigning ABA League champions Crvena Zvezda (Red Star) from Serbia. Led by renowned Head Coach Jurica Golemac, Dubai’s roster includes players from across the world, including the United States and the Philippines.

Dubai Muscle Show

Date: 25-27 October

Location: Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City Dubai

About: Join the latest edition of the Dubai Muscle Show, the Middle East’s leading fitness and bodybuilding platform. Highlights include the Dubai Muscle Classic with the FMG International’s first women’s contest, intense boxing and Muay Thai matches, and inspiring talks with bodybuilding legends.

Dubai Active

Date: 25-27 October

Location: Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City Dubai

About: Start the Dubai Fitness Challenge with Dubai Active. Enjoy workouts with celebrity trainers, watch boxing and MMA, and explore more than 400 brands.

Cancer Awareness Cycle or Walk

Date: 26 October

Location: Meydan Cycle Track

About: Put your best foot forward for the latest edition of Cycle or Walk For Life and plan a family day out. This community event aims to bring people together to spread awareness about cancer while enjoying live entertainment by local bands, dance groups, motivational speakers, a kids’ zone and festive food stalls.

Plus500 City Half Marathon

Date: 27 October

Location: Gate Village, Dubai International Financial Centre

About: Experience stunning views at the Plus500 City Half Marathon racing through Downtown Dubai’s iconic landmarks like Burj Khalifa and Emirates Towers. Choose between 21km, 10km, or 5km routes, and enjoy a scenic run with friends and family.

Dubai Fitness Challenge

Date: 26 October – 24 November

Location: Citywide

About: Get ready for the 2024 Dubai Fitness Challenge. Complete 30 minutes of daily activity for 30 days with free classes and events in yoga, cycling, high-intensity interval training, and more. Join the fun and get fit!

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

Cinderella on Ice

Date: 4-6 October

Location: Zabeel Theatre, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray

About: Enjoy a dazzling performance of Cinderella on Ice with stunning skating and thrilling manoeuvres by the Imperial Ice Stars. Book your tickets now for this enchanting retelling of the classic tale.

Tamer Ashour and Elissa live

Date: 11 October

Location: Coca-Cola Arena

About: Get ready for a night of Arabic music as Lebanese sensation Elissa and Egyptian composer Tamer Ashour light up the stage at Coca-Cola Arena. Elissa, dubbed the ‘Queen of Emotions’, promises a captivating performance as she entertains fans with endless hits like Baddy Doub and Betghib Betrouh. Meanwhile, Ashour will mesmerise with favourites including Zikrayat Kaddab, Ekhtarna Leh, Thania Wahda, and Enta Ekhtart.

Umm Kulthum & The Golden Era

Date: 12-13 October

Location: Dubai Opera

About: Immerse yourself in the soul-stirring melodies of the late Egyptian singer, Umm Kulthum, in an unforgettable show at Dubai Opera. The evening promises to be a true spectacle where her celebrated performances will unfold on stage, enhanced by a live orchestra. Watch the digital and real worlds merge in an elevated ambience during this show.

Kasabian live

Date: 13 October

Location: Coca-Cola Arena

About: Get ready to rock with legendary British band Kasabian at Coca-Cola Arena. Watch them belt out their top songs such as Fire, Club Foot, and L.S.F.

L.A. Dance Project – Romeo & Juliet Suite

Date: 17-18 October

Location: Dubai Opera

About: Dance meets cinema and theatre in a captivating adaptation of Shakespeare’s iconic Romeo & Juliet. This innovative ballet brings the Bard’s tragic love story to life in a contemporary setting.

Eric Prydz HOLO live

Date: 18 October

Location: Expo City Arena

About: Swedish DJ Eric Prydz is bringing his sensational show HOLO to Dubai for the first time. This show will headline technological and musical innovation that merges music and 3D holographic projections for a one-of-a-kind experience.

Tyga live

Date: 19 October

Location: Coca-Cola Arena

About: It will be an evening filled with beats as globally-acclaimed rapper Tyga performs live at Coca-Cola Arena. The American star gained popularity for his repertoire of hits and celebrated collaborations with international names like Drake and Justin Bieber. Hear him belt out chart-topping singles like Taste, Swish, and The Motto.

Romesh Ranganathan live

Date: 25 October

Location: Coca-Cola Arena

About: Romesh Ranganathan’s 2022 show in Dubai was a sold-out success, so grab your tickets early for his upcoming performance. The stand-up comedy star gained popularity thanks to stints on numerous TV shows like The Apprentice: You’re Fired!, Play to the Whistle, and A League of Their Own.

Sophie Ellis-Bextor live

Date: 26 October

Location: Dubai Opera

About: Get ready for an evening that pops with Sophie Ellis-Bexter at Dubai Opera. The singer, songwriter and pop icon of the 2000s will perform her greatest hits including Murder on the Dance Floor and Groovejet (If This Ain’t Love).

KT Tunstall live

Date: 26 October

Location: The Tent, Bla Bla Dubai

About: Dubai fans have the chance to catch Scottish musician KT Tunstall live at Bla Bla Dubai. On the night, you can expect to hear her perform hits like Suddenly I See, Hold On, and 1000 Years.

Calvin Harris live

Date: 26 October

Location: Ushuaia Dubai Harbour Experience

About: Get a taste of Ibiza right here in Dubai as Grammy Award winner Calvin Harris marks the opening concert at Ushuaia Dubai Harbour Experience. Get ready to dance to hits like Summer, Feel So Close, and How Deep Is Your Love, while a special guest appearance by Tyson O’Brien makes it an unforgettable experience.

DJ Liu x Barasti

Date: 26 October

Location: Barasti Beach

About: It’s raining beats at Barasti as DJ Liu brings his epic set of deep house and future house music straight from Tomorrowland to Dubai. This electronic music star has been making waves in the international circuit and will now spin top tunes at the beachfront destination.

Dubai Calendar allows residents and tourists to discover all the events, festivals and experiences Dubai has to offer. For more information, please visit: www.visitdubai.com/en/whats-on/dubai-events-calendar.

-Ends-

About Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET)

With the ultimate vision of making Dubai the world’s leading commercial centre, investment hub and tourism destination, Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) is mandated to support the Government in positioning the emirate as a major hub for global economy and tourism, and in boosting the city’s economic and tourism competitiveness indicators, in line with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, which aims to double the size of the emirate’s economy and consolidate its position among the top three global cities over the next decade.

Under this remit, DET is driving efforts to further enhance Dubai’s diversified, innovative service-based economy to attract top global talent, deliver a world-class business environment and accelerate productivity growth. Additionally, DET is supporting Dubai’s vision to become the world’s best city to live and work in by promoting its diverse destination proposition, unique lifestyle and outstanding quality of life, overall.

DET is the principal authority for planning, supervising, developing and marketing Dubai’s business and tourism sectors. It is also responsible for licensing and classifying all types of businesses, including hotels, tour operators and travel agents. The DET portfolio includes Dubai Economic Development Corporation (DEDC), Dubai Business Licence Corporation (DBLC), Dubai Corporation for Consumer Protection and Fair Trade (DCCPFT), Dubai SME, Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) and Dubai College of Tourism (DCT).

About Dubai Calendar

Dubai Calendar, the official listings platform for events in the city, is managed by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), an entity of Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). A free resource online and via a dedicated mobile app, Dubai Calendar is the city’s go-to guide that allows residents and tourists to discover all the events, festivals and experiences Dubai has to offer, from arts, culture and education to food, sports and shopping. With more than 1,200 events per year, and new listings added every week, Dubai Calendar is an all-access pass to ‘what’s on’ in Dubai. For more information about events taking place across Dubai, please visit: www.visitdubai.com/en/whats-on/dubai-events-calendar.

Source:   Zawya.

Kenya introduces digital nomad work permit and visa-free travel to boost tourism

President William Ruto announced plans to attract digital nomads to Kenya during the 2024 Magical Kenya Travel Expo.

According to the Head of State, the newly implemented Digital Nomad Work Permit enables remote workers from all over the world to live and work in Kenya, enriching their lives with the country’s breathtaking scenery and vibrant culture.

The President was speaking at the Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi, where he emphasised Kenya’s growing reputation as a top global tourism destination.

He stated that by creating a welcoming environment for digital nomads, the government hopes to establish Kenya as a hub for remote work while also boosting the tourism industry.

“Digital nomads can experience the wonders of Magical Kenya every day while contributing to local economies,” President Ruto stated.

“This initiative not only enhances our appeal as a destination but also fosters a vibrant ecosystem that supports innovation and entrepreneurship.”

President Ruto also announced a visa-free policy for visitors from select countries, allowing tourists and business travellers to explore Kenya without the hassle of visa applications.

This policy aligns with Kenya’s broader strategy to welcome people from around the world, encouraging tourism and cultural exchange.

Additionally, the President introduced a new Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) specifically for transit passengers at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

This allows travellers with layovers to step out of the airport and explore Kenya, enhancing their travel experience and encouraging longer stays in the country. T

The eTA caters to both transit and long-connection travellers, enabling them to immerse themselves in the local culture and attractions during their time in Nairobi.

These initiatives come amid a resurgence in Kenya’s tourism sector, which generated Ksh 352 billion in revenue in 2023 from over 2 million visitors.

With an ambitious goal of attracting 5 million tourists per year by 2027, the government understands the significance of appealing to a modern audience that values work-life balance and unique travel experiences.

The Magical Kenya Travel Expo, now in its 14th year, provides an important platform for connecting local businesses with international markets and fostering partnerships that promote long-term growth in the tourism industry.

The event highlights Kenya’s distinct offerings, emphasizing its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes, which appeal to both digital nomads and travelers.

Source: Citizen

Over 30 Airlines Seek Regulator Nod for Kenya’s Airspace

Saudi Arabian Airlines, Bluebird Aviation, Jetways and the African Express Airways are among airlines seeking licenses and from the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) for either domestic or international air-services.

The Authority says it has received over 30 applications from companies seeking to tap into the airline business with some airlines seeking to add new aircraft model to their fleet.

If granted a license, Bluebird Aviation will operate international scheduled air service for passengers, cargo and mail services on Arusha, Mogadishu, Entebbe, Kigali and Zanzibar routes via either Wilson or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

Jetways Airlines is seeking to be granted pass to operate domestic air service for passengers, cargo and mail on Mombasa, Ukunda, and Lodwar routes using aircraft type F50, F70 and F100 based at JKIA and Wilson Airport.

Seven other companies (SAC, Dragonfly, Lady Lori, Astral Aviation, Airvan, Flight Training Center and Northwood Agencies) are seeking variation of their existing air service licence to include additional aircraft types.

Saudi Arabian Airlines is seeking a license to operate non-scheduled air services for cargo with Nairobi connections while the Tanzania Air Services wants the same for international non-scheduled air services for passengers, cargo and mail between designated points in Kenya and Tanzania using aircraft types; BE20, B350, B190 and F406 based in Dar es salaam, Tanzania

Earlier in the year, KCAA granted approvals and variations to several air service licenses, reflecting an expansion in the mix of domestic and international operations.

Commercial Passengers

According to KCAA statistics on commercial passenger traffic, the total number of passengers handled increased by 16.8 percent from 10.1 million in 2017 to 11.8 million in 2018.

Domestic and international passengers increased by 22.5 per cent and 13.1 per cent, respectively, in 2018. International passenger arrivals increased by 13.3 per cent from 3.0 million in 2017 to 3.4 million in 2018 while international passenger departures increased by 16.7 percent from 1.8 million in 2017 to 2.1 million in 2018. Similarly, the number of international passengers in transit increased by 7.7 per cent from 1.3 million in 2017 to 1.4 million in 2018.

Cargo and Mail

The volume of commercial cargo traffic increased by 23.3 per cent from 290.8 thousand tonnes in 2017 to 358.7 thousand tonnes in 2018. Cargo handled at JKIA increased by 24.8 per cent to 340.8 thousand tonnes while that handled at MIA increased by 11.1 per cent to 4.0 thousand tonnes in 2018.

However, the volume of cargo handled in other airports decreased by 2.1 per cent from 14.2 thousand tonnes in 2017 to 13.9 thousand tonnes in 2018. The total volume of mail traffic increased by 35.8 per cent from 617.0 tonnes in 2017 to 837.6 tonnes in 2018, largely on account of a 36.2 per cent increase in the volume of mail traffic handled at JKIA.

Source:    Kenyan Wallstreet

Dubai to increase share in global medical tourism market

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.

Source:   Bio spectrum

Skyward Express expands to Tanzania with direct flights

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.

Source: Business Daily

Tourism CS Miano opens game parks for free on World Tourism Day

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.

“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.

Source:   Nairobi Wire.  

World Tourism Day: How Travel Management Companies Can Promote Justice and Peace in Kenya

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

Source:   Capital Fm.  

MALAYSIAN HIGH COMMISSIONER COURTESY VISIT TO KATA

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!

EAC boss Veronica Nduva pushes bloc to open skies to ease travel costs

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.

Source:The East African