Africa’s Travel Trailblazers To Converge at KATA’s “Make the Connection” Catalytic Convention

By – Bryan Obala.

The stage is set, and the anticipation is palpable as the Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) – Africa’s most vibrant and influential travel association – prepares to host its highly anticipated Annual Convention and AGM. With the theme “Make the Connection,” this year’s event promises to be a game-changer, solidifying KATA’s position as a trailblazer in shaping the continent’s travel landscape.

As the countdown begins, the industry is abuzz eagerly awaiting an opportunity to connect, innovate, and unlock new frontiers in the ever-evolving travel sector. KATA’s unwavering commitment to championing critical issues, such as Open Skies policies and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), has cemented its reputation as a force to be reckoned with, driving progress, and fostering collaboration among like-minded stakeholders.

Fresh from the success of last year’s “New Normal, New Thinking” convention, which guided the industry through the turbulent waters of the COVID-19 pandemic, KATA once again stands at the forefront, leading the charge towards a more resilient and future-proof travel ecosystem. This year’s “Make the Connection” theme encapsulates the association’s vision of forging alliances, bridging gaps, and connecting people, businesses, technologies, and ideas to unlock unprecedented growth opportunities.

The anticipation surrounding this landmark event is palpable, as industry players eagerly await the chance to engage with thought leaders, experts, and peers, exchanging insights and best practices on topics that will shape the industry’s trajectory. From exploring post-pandemic economic strategies to harnessing the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and prioritizing mental health in the workplace, the convention promises a rich tapestry of knowledge and inspiration.

As the countdown continues, corporate institutions and partners are lining up, recognizing the immense value of aligning with KATA’s vision and leveraging the convention’s platform to upscale their presence, forge meaningful connections, and tap into the burgeoning travel trade market.

With its finger on the pulse of the industry, KATA’s “Make the Connection” convention is poised to be a resounding success, igniting excitement, and sparking a wave of innovation that will reverberate across Africa’s travel landscape. Brace yourselves for an unforgettable experience, where connections are forged, ideas are ignited, and the future of travel takes flight.

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DET to bring together Dubai’s tourism ecosystem at Arabian Travel Market 2024

Dubai [UAE], May 1(ANI/WAM): Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) will showcase the emirate’s innovative and diverse destination offering by bringing together 129 key partners and stakeholders to demonstrate the city’s collaborative spirit at the 31st edition of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM), taking place from 6-9 May 2024 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

With this year’s ATM taking place under the forward-looking theme of ‘Empowering Innovation Transforming Travel Through Entrepreneurship’, DET will highlight how Dubai’s tourism industry has cultivated innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainability to create new pathways for growth beyond traditional tourism.

This strategic approach is inspired by the ambitious goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 to further consolidate Dubai’s position as one of the top three global cities for business and leisure, and the best city to visit, live and work in.

At the event, DET will be joined on the Dubai stand by partners and representatives from government entities, hotels, destination management companies and tour operators. Key partners include the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA-Dubai), Dubai Culture, Dubai Holding, Dubai Health Authority, and more.

Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), said: “As a longstanding destination partner of the Arabian Travel Market, Dubai is privileged to host the 31st edition of one of global tourism’s most anticipated events.

The industry gathering is a testament to our city’s position as a world-leading travel destination, achieved under the visionary leadership of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, through innovative strategies and robust public-private partnerships.

In keeping with the transformative theme of this year’s show, Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism and our partners will highlight the pivotal role that entrepreneurship and innovation have played in driving tourism growth, aligned seamlessly with our D33 Agenda, the city’s 10-year roadmap for economic development.

“As we showcase the diverse and compelling destination proposition of Dubai at ATM, we eagerly anticipate the opportunity to engage with top industry experts and executives to share our blueprint for success, as well as explore the emerging themes and trends that will contribute towards industry sustainability.

We remain committed to navigating the future of tourism with foresight and collaboration with our stakeholders and the international travel community, ensuring Dubai remains a beacon of innovation and excellence in the global tourism landscape.”

Dubai welcomed a record 17.15 million international overnight visitors in 2023 a 19.4 per cent YoY growth over the 14.36 million tourist arrivals in 2022 and continues to build on this momentum, with 3.67 million international tourists having already visited the city in January and February this year.

The stellar performance further validates Dubai’s recognition as the No.1 global destination for an unprecedented third successive year in the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards, the first city to achieve this.

The milestone is also a testament to the emirate’s vibrant and diverse offerings, supported by world-class infrastructure, exceptional service at all touchpoints, and continuous collaboration between the government and private sectors. Dubai is expanding its range of experiences for visitors, captivating them with its unparalleled blend of modernity and culture including heritage sites and immersive attractions that highlight the city’s history and vibrant culture.

Committed to investing in human capital and developing a skilled workforce to support the growth of the city’s tourism and hospitality sectors, the Dubai College of Tourism, part of DET, will use ATM as an opportunity to drive awareness of its full-time programmes and ‘Dubai Way’, an innovative training and engagement platform for government and private sector staff engaged in tourist-facing roles.

Dubai also recognises the importance of prioritising sustainability initiatives to preserve its natural resources and further improve the overall visitor experience. With the UAE’s Year of Sustainability extending into 2024, DET will release the inaugural ‘Dubai Sustainability Report’ during ATM, and highlight the city’s ongoing initiatives such as the Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamp, and the citywide Dubai Can movement, which has contributed to the reduction of over 18 million 500ml single-use plastic water bottles in just two years since the launch of its ‘Refill for Life’ campaign.

A new Dubai Can initiative, Dubai Reef, was inaugurated in April with the launch of pilot reef modules for the world’s largest marine reef development project. Dubai’s position as the cruise hub of the region will also be showcased following the recent formalisation of the Cruise Arabia alliance – a strategic regional partnership that promotes the Arabian Gulf as a cruise ship destination globally.

This year, DET will again organise the ATM Hosted Buyers Programme across Expo City Dubai, Real Madrid World, and Dubai Creek Harbour, promoting Dubai’s unparalleled hospitality and offerings to 600 buyers from 46 different markets and countries.

Among the attractions for visitors at the Dubai stand will be ‘Dubai Pinball’, an interactive and engaging gaming experience promoting Dubai’s iconic landmarks, where players can win prizes and contests to get their names on the leaderboard.

DET will also put the spotlight on the city’s diverse gastronomy scene and its year-round calendar of events, including the ongoing Dubai Food Festival held alongside ATM, which will continue until 12 May, as well as the family summer extravaganza, Dubai Summer Surprises, which is set to launch in June. (ANI/WAM)

Source:The Print

Africa’s Travel Indaba cements its Pan-African status.

With a fully sold-out floor space, Africa’s Travel Indaba has reached a ground-breaking achievement as it will see an unprecedented participation of 26 African countries exhibiting this year. This is testament to the pivotal role the trade show plays in advancing the continent’s growth.

This year’s Africa’s Travel Indaba will take place from the 14th to the 16th of May 2024 and will be preceded by Business Opportunity Networking Day (BONday) on the 13th of May. This is an important gathering of the global tourism sector and other related industry stakeholders.

The 26 countries exhibiting this year include Angola, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Cote d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zanzibar, and Zimbabwe. These countries represent a total of 344 products that will be showcased, an increase of 14 % compared to last year’s 301 products.

Burkina Faso, Eritrea, and Guinea are the three new entrants.

Overall, a total of 55 countries are participating in this year’s event including all newcomers.

In total, this year’s event will see more than 1 030 exhibitors showcasing their products and tourism offerings and more than 890 buyers attending the event from all over the world.

The buyers include inbound tour operators, foreign travel agents, destination marketing companies, online booking agents and airlines.

As usual, the Department of Tourism will be funding the participation of 120 South African small to medium enterprises to exhibit their tourism offerings at this year’s Africa Travel indaba and gain exposure to wide ranging network of tourism trade industry players from all over Africa and the world.

“Africa’s Travel Indaba’s ongoing mission and commitment to driving the continent’s economic development and fostering collaboration and growth is clear. I am particularly pleased to welcome the new countries that are joining us exhibiting at the trade show for the first time. We look forward to a long and mutually beneficial partnership,” says South Africa’s Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille.

The increase in the number of countries can be attributed to several key factors including the fact that in the past few years, tourism has also emerged as a cornerstone of sustainable development strategies across the continent.

“Africa’s Travel Indaba provides a platform for African tourism product owners to meet with global buyers. With a record number of participating countries this year, buyers will have a wide variety of products and experiences to engage with. I am confident that Africa’s Travel Indaba will continue to be a fertile environment for closing business deals that nurture partnership and drive growth,” adds Minister de Lille.

The number of countries opting to exhibit at Africa’s Travel Indaba also reflects a collective commitment to showcasing the diverse and unique tourism offerings that each country has to offer. By coming together on a unified platform, these African nations amplify their voices and strengthen their position in the global tourism market, thereby driving demand for African tourism products and experiences.

The rest of the African continent remains a key source market for South Africa. According to the latest statistics, in the first two months of 2024, South Africa welcomed 1.3 million tourists from the rest of the African continent, marking a significant 76.0% of all arrivals.

Minister de Lille continues to be pleased with the impressive numbers from the African continent once again highlighting that South Africa welcomed 6.4 million visitors from the rest of the African continent between January and December 2023, marking a significant 75.6% of all arrivals.

Source: Pondoland Times.

ASATA joins Association of Eastern and Southern Africa Travel Agents

ASATA is taking its advocacy efforts to new heights by officially joining the Association of Eastern and Southern Africa Travel Agents (AESATA) as a new member. This partnership unlocks new collaboration and growth opportunities for its members.

South African travel agents are set to benefit from strengthened regional ties and a unified advocacy platform through this partnership, which connects ASATA with travel agent associations from 10 other countries. Together, they will collectively tackle cross-border challenges, promote intra-Africa travel, and drive sustainable business growth across the region.

Through AESATA, ASATA members gain access to shared insights on key industry trends and patterns impacting the travel sector in Eastern and Southern Africa. The collaboration allows South African travel agencies to have a stronger, unified voice in advocating for policies that create an enabling environment for business development.

“Joining AESATA is a game-changer for our members,” said Otto de Vries, CEO of ASATA. “Cross-border cooperation is crucial for our industry’s long-term success. By partnering with our peers, we open up new opportunities to learn from one another, forge regional partnerships, and ensure travel agencies’ interests are prioritised as drivers of sustainable tourism growth across Africa.”

AESATA provides a platform for national associations to jointly tackle issues of mutual importance, such as rebuilding resilient travel business models, promoting intra-Africa travel, and aligning policies to uphold responsible tourism practices. A key focus is leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area to unlock the continent’s full potential for travel and tourism.

The upcoming 2024 AESATA Conference in Kigali, Rwanda in May will convene under the theme “Beyond Borders, Beyond Limits” – a call for travel agents to innovate, collaborate regionally, and future-proof their businesses.

ASATA’s new membership underscores the association’s vision for an integrated, prosperous, and competitive Southern African travel industry. Through fostering cross-border cooperation, ASATA aims to empower its members to deliver exceptional service and travel experiences for customers across the region and globally.

About ASATA

Established in 1956, the Association of Southern African Travel Agents is a representative forum registered as an Association of Persons, that promotes professional service in the travel industry for both members and their clients. Representing over 99% of the travel industry in terms of market share, ASATA’s membership is voluntary and includes South African retail travel agents, travel management companies, wholesalers and suppliers of travel-related products and services.

Source:  Tourism News Africa.  

Passenger Demand Up 13.8% in March- IATA

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for March 2024 global passenger demand with the following highlights:

• Total demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPKs), was up 13.8% compared to March 2023. Total capacity, measured in available seat kilometers (ASK), was up 12.3% year-on-year. The March load factor was 82.0% (+1.0ppt compared to March 2023).

• International demand rose 18.9% compared to March 2023; capacity was up 18.8% year-on-year and the load factor improved to 81.6% (+0.1ppt on March 2023).

• Domestic demand rose 6.6% compared to March 2023; capacity was up 3.4% year-on-year and the load factor was 82.6% (+2.5ppt compared to March 2023).

“Demand for travel is strong. And there is every indication that this should continue into the peak Northern Summer travel season. It is critical that we have the capacity to meet this demand and ensure a hassle-free travel experience for passengers. That means making urgent progress to resolve supply chain issues and for airports and air traffic management to be fully staffed and operating at maximum efficiency. While airlines are prepared for customer care and assistance when operational issues arise, they are fed-up of bearing the cost when delays and cancellations are the result of poor preparation in other parts of the value chain,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.

Regional Breakdown – International Passenger Markets

All regions showed strong growth for international passenger markets in March 2024 compared to March 2023. The load factor performance was patchy, falling year-on-year in three of the six regions.

Asia-Pacific airlines continue to lead with way, with a 38.5% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 37.4% year-on-year and the load factor rose to 85.6% (+0.7ppt compared to March 2023), the highest among all regions. Major routes from Asia-Pacific display outstanding growth, although the number of scheduled air services from China to North America is still only 16.5% of pre-pandemic levels.

European carriers saw an 11.6% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 11.4% year-on-year, and the load factor was 79.9% (up just 0.1ppt compared to March 2023).

Middle Eastern airlines saw a 10.8% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 13.9% year-on-year and the load factor fell -2.1ppt to 77.5% compared to March 2023.

North American carriers saw a 14.5% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 14.8% year-on-year, and the load factor fell to 84.7% (-0.2ppt compared to March 2023).

Latin American airlines saw a 19.7% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity climbed 18.3% year-on-year. The load factor rose to 84.3% (+0.9ppt compared to March 2023).

African airlines saw an 8.1% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity was up 11.0% year-on-year. The load factor fell to 70.3% (-1.9ppt compared to March 2023).

Domestic markets

Domestic demand increased at a slower pace in March, moderating to typical pre-pandemic growth rates. China (+17.6% compared to March 2023) continued to be the leading market. Other markets showed stable growth with the exception of Australia. Its drop in growth may reflect the wider economic slowdown in Q1 in the country.

Source: Voyages Afriq

Kenya Airways suspends DR Congo flights in protest over detained crew.

Kenya’s national carrier Kenya Airways has suspended its flights to Kinshasa, citing the continued detention of its crew by the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)’s military over a controversial consignment of banknotes. In an update on Monday, the airline said the suspension will take effect from Tuesday, pointing out difficulties in supervision and support of its operations in Kinshasa.

“Due to the continued detention of KQ employees by the Military Intelligence Unit in Kinshasa, Kenya Airways is unable to support our flights without personnel effectively. As a result, we reached a difficult decision to suspend flights to Kinshasa effective April 30, 2024, until we can effectively support these flights,” said the carrier’s managing director, Allan Kilavuka, in the notice.

“The continued detention of our employees has made it difficult for us to supervise our operations in Kinshasa, which include customer service, ground handling, cargo activities, and generally ensuring safe, secure, and efficient operations.”

The move by KQ is set to benefit other airlines servicing the Nairobi-Kinshasa route, including Ethiopian Airlines, Precision Air, ASKY Airlines, and South African Airways.

Last week, Mr Kilavuka said two of the airline’s staff were arrested and detained on April 19, 2024, over alleged missing customs documentation on valuable cargo which was to be shipped on a KQ flight on April 12, 2024.

The cargo in question, however, was not uplifted by the carrier or accepted by them due to incomplete documentation.

Mr Kilavuka said military officers in Kinshasa took the two employees to the military side of the air wing to record statements, but they were held incommunicado until April 23 when the embassy officials and a KQ team were allowed to visit them.

Though DRC officials are yet to comment on the matter, sources told The EastAfrican newspaper that the case is about transportation of $8 million that was seized before being loaded on the KQ plane.

A local newspaper reported that a commercial bank attempted to export the money “clandestinely without the knowledge of the security services”.

The bank cited by Congolese media, TMB Bank, dismissed the allegations, saying “an operation to export banknotes in foreign currencies, which moreover, is a common practice of commercial banks and therefore does not constitute an offence as insinuated by certain journalists who, unfortunately, and for reasons of their own, refrained from investigating the various departments involved in such as operation”.

“Our bank has complied with all the formalities required for this operation, which is not the first of its kind and is inherent to the operation of banks, particularly for notes unfit for circulation, either because of their condition or because of their series,” TMB Bank further said.

Diplomatic tiffs

The recent developments have turned the spotlight on intermittent diplomatic tiffs between the two countries. In December last year, DRC recalled its ambassador to Nairobi after summoning the Kenyan envoy in Kinshasa in protest against the creation of a new coalition of Congolese rebels in Nairobi.

At the heart of the conflict was the creation of a new coalition of rebel leaders that was announced in Nairobi by the former president of the Independent National Electoral Commission (Ceni), Corneille Nangaa.

Kinshasa reacted swiftly by recalling its envoy, John Nyakeru, from Nairobi and ordering Kenya to explain the incident.

Source:   The East African

Ethiopian Airlines Bridges Africa and Europe with New Warsaw Service

Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest network carrier, expands its European reach with the launch of a new route to Warsaw, Poland. This exciting development, announced in April 2024, will connect Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital, to Warsaw with a convenient stopover in Athens, Greece. The inaugural flight is scheduled for June 16, 2024, offering passengers a four-times-weekly service. This new route strengthens Ethiopian Airlines’ presence in Europe, bringing its total European destinations to 24. Passengers flying from Warsaw can now enjoy seamless connections to over 60 destinations across Africa, furthering the airline’s mission to bridge the continent with the globe.

The service will operate with a Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, featuring a comfortable two-cabin configuration with 16 seats in business class and 144 seats in economy class. This modern and fuel-efficient aircraft ensures a pleasant travel experience for passengers on both legs of the journey. This expansion aligns with Ethiopian Airlines’ strategic plan to boost commerce and tourism not only within Africa but also between the continent and Europe. The new Warsaw route provides travelers with a convenient and reliable option for business trips, family visits, or exploring the vibrant cultures of Ethiopia and Poland.

Mesfin Tasew, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, expressed his enthusiasm about the new route: “We are truly excited to further grow our presence in the European market with yet another new destination. This development is in harmony with our strategic intent to bridge Africa with the globe while fostering commerce and tourism within the continent.”

The addition of Warsaw to Ethiopian Airlines’ network strengthens the airline’s position as a key player in global aviation. Passengers can now book their flights to Warsaw via Athens on Ethiopian Airlines’ website or through their preferred travel agent. With its commitment to providing a gratifying journey experience, Ethiopian Airlines is poised to welcome travelers onboard and connect them to exciting new destinations.

Source: Aero News Journal

Renegade Air Supports KATA Kisumu Travel Agents Forum.

Travel Agents in Kisumu on Tuesday gathered at the Acacia Premier Hotel for this year’s Kisumu Travel Agents Forum hosted by KATA and supported by Renegade Air. The forum brought together agents and operators from the larger Western region tourism circuit and explored the topic “Unlocking Opportunities: Empowering Travel and Tourism in the Lake Region.”

At the forum, participants discussed the potential growth of the travel business in the western Kenya region and the role domestic carriers such as Renegade Air play in supporting local economies. The Chairperson of KATA Allied members and KATA Board member Grace Ndung’u spoke about the role KATA plays in supporting travel agencies in the country and called upon agents who were not members to consider joining the membership. Patrick Oketch, the Marketing and Sales Officer at Renegade Air, lauded the support travel agents were giving the airline, noting that over 60% of the airline’s sales were generated by Travel Agents. He reiterated the airline’s commitment to continue working with agents and offering them support whenever they required. Charles of Sandah Travel and Tours shared with participants how KATA had helped him build his business grow since joining in 2023. “Through KATA, I have been able to participate in international travel shows in South Africa twice, and now I am headed to Dubai for the Arabian Travel Market (ATM). These international shows are helping me build my international profile and networks.

Uganda ready to sign Africa open skies plan.

Uganda is keen to sign the Single Africa Air Transport Market protocol, ending years of fence-sitting.

Authorities in Kampala indicated this week that the Uganda will join the open skies regime in the next financial year. “We are left with approval by 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.

Mr Bamwesigye, who represented Works and Transport Minister Gen Edward Katumba Wamala, said Uganda’s reluctance to join the Single Africa Air Transport Market (SAATM) since its launch in 2018 was due to a need to shield its national carrier from competition.

Other considerations were invested in and build new infrastructure such as the Kabalega International Airport, to support traffic numbers resulting from liberalization; improve Entebbe International Airport to requisite standards as well as reorient the regulatory regime, which was inward-looking. “The idea to join has always been positive, but we had to first streamline our internal processes so that we go there when we are ready,” he said.” Now, we have an airline, and we must enable it to get more frequencies through SAATM. Uganda Airlines is flying to Nigeria, Mumbai, South Africa, the UAE… So, why not?” Danny Barongo, director for safety, security, and economic regulation at UCCA, said internal processes included three consultative meetings with stakeholders and with continental industry regulator to draft an agreement.

Accession to the “solemn commitment” would see Uganda ease past Tanzania, whose government has indicated that it will not join the liberalized air space plan for another five years, but it will still lag behind Kenya, Rwanda and 13 other African countries which, last year, agreed to launch and pilot SAATM flights.

Aviation expert Adikiny Olwenge, who is also the team leader for air transport at the Comesa, says there are benefits for airline operators as it opens up routes through 5th Freedom, which increases air transport connectivity.

Due to the limited number of operators, this benefit is not trickling down to the passengers because of the dominant nature of such airlines, but only liberalisation that can assure new entrants that they will realise healthy competition since SAATM has the necessary instruments to control competition.

even among the 37 countries that have signed up to the single air space regime, the same deep-seated fears and protectionism abound. “Most of the countries that have acceded to SAATM have the notion that it SAATM will kill their national airlines. That’s why we are having the awareness program for countries in Eastern Africa, Southern Africa, and Indian Ocean regions,” Mr Olwenge said.

Source: MSN.