Happy Holidays
Thank you to our loyal readers and members for your support and encouragement in the first year of our newsletter. THE APTA DISPATCHES WILL RESUME IN 2016
NY Times Trade Day Only $10 (regular price: $20)
Use Discount Code: TEO50 to take advantage of this special savings!$10 (regular price: $20) NY Times Trade Only Trade Day Exhibition Only Registration includes: Exclusive time in the Exhibition — meet with over 500 exhibitors, representing over 150 different countries in the following pavilions: Adventure, Africa, Asia, Australia/South Pacific, Caribbean, Cruise, Europe, Latin America, Mexico,…
Kenya Voted World’s Top Safari Destination
Kenya has been voted the world’s leading safari destination by the World Travel Awards (WTA), giving a major boost to the tourism sector. This is the second time it has scooped the prestigious global award. The country previously won the award in 2013. Kenya bagged the award after overcoming fierce competition from South Africa, Botswana,…
Grow Africa Foundation Making a Positive Impact
Jenman African Safaris and African Luxury Hideaways are very excited to launch their Responsible Tourism initiative, The Grow Africa Foundation. We want to have a positive impact on the environment, society and economy of the places we travel to. Our initiative’s mission and focus is to support local communities as well as building awareness of…
Victoria Falls International Airport Officially Opened
The new $150 million Victoria Falls International Airport opened to passengers officially on Sunday. Set to change the face of the region, the potential impact on tourism in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe is extremely positive with the potential of long haul direct routes instead of flights via Johannesburg, South Africa. The new airport sports an upgraded…
2017 – International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development
The United Nations (UN) General Assembly has approved the adoption of 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development. The resolution, adopted on 4 December, recognizes “the importance of international tourism, and particularly of the designation of an international year of sustainable tourism for development, in fostering better understanding among peoples everywhere, in…
South African Airline Mango first to implement Star Alliance Connecting Partner Model
CHICAGO, USA – December 9th, 2015 – Star Alliance is set to expand its network reach with the launch of its Connecting Partner Model. Under this new concept, routes operated by “low-cost” and “hybrid” airlines will be able to connect to the Alliance network. This will allow customers of Star Alliance member carriers to select…
&BEYOND NXABEGA OKAVANGO TENTED CAMP TO CLOSE FOR A FULL TENT REFURBISHMENT
Due to recent developments in the planned refurbishment at &Beyond Nxabega Okavango Tented Camp, which now include additional upgrades to the tents and decks, &Beyond has taken the decision to close the camp from 03 January to 11 May 2016. The camp’s 10 luxury tents will now be undergoing a full rebuild and refresh. Using…
Khwai Tented Camp Rebuild Update
African Bush Camps would like to inform all valued friends, colleagues and supporters that the rebuild process of Khwai Tented Camp in Botswana has unfortunately experienced additional delays and the reopening date of both Khwai Tented Camp and its NEW FAMILY CAMP will now be 1st September 2016. As a result, they will no longer…
Camp Okavango – The First Rooms Are Built
The new Camp Okavango will open on 14 April 2016 following a full rebuild of the entire camp. Stunning public areas accessed by raised walkways will be linked with the new luxury suites boasting expansive views right across the Okavango Delta. The new Camp Okavango will consist of eleven guest suites and one family suite.…
Carnival Calabar now in full swing in Cross River State, southern Nigeria
The famous Carnival Calabar is currently underway in Nigeria. Already a major attraction for tourists with it’s international museum, botanical garden, slave history park, amusement park, the city’s Calabar Festival is known as Africa’s largest street Party. Carnival Calabar is a unique display of Africa heritage showcased through music, dance, drama and visual creativity which is reflected…
Africa’s Top 5 Festivals!
Africa is increasingly appreciative of the arts in its various forms – photography, drama, music, spoken word and poetry are continuously strengthened and encouraged by events across Africa. The recent Karibu Music Festival in Tanzania, the Art and Beer Festival in Kenya and the Lagos Photo Festival are great reference to the embracing of the…
APTA Membership Drive Extended
The APTA 2016 individual membership drive has been extended to accommodate the many members whose current 12 month term expire in January. As decided at a meeting of the Presidents and National board during the recent APTA National Forum, going forward, members will be considered in good standing for 12 months from the day they…
Uganda gets air ambulance insurance cover to boost tourism sector
By Cecilia Okoth – New Vision As the tourism industry becomes highly competitive, Uganda National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (UNCCI) in partnership with AMREF flying doctors have introduced an air ambulance insurance cover in Uganda. According to Ezra Rubanda, the acting secretary general UNCCI, the insurance cover code named Maisha air ambulance scheme will…
4 Charts Showing Which African Cities Have Greatest Growth Potential
MasterCard’s latest African cities index examined African cities’ economic outlook according to their potential for inclusive urbanization. The 74 analyzed cities were ranked by twenty five economic and social indicators and are organized into three categories by population size: large (more than one million), medium (between 500,000 and one million) and small (under 500,000). Once ranked, the…
Etihad Airways strengthens its East Africa network
Etihad Airways recently enhanced its presence in East Africa with launch of new services between Dar es Salaam and Abu Dhabi. The inaugural flight was welcomed at Julius Nyerere International Airport with a water-cannon salute, and a troupe of traditional Tanzanian dancers. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to mark the occasion, which was attended by…
Food & Wine Pairing with African Luxury Hideaways
Cooking over an open flame is something special to the African bush – African Luxury Hideaways will be dedicating a week to sumptuous food, wine and fantastic game viewing. We are inviting clients to experience gourmet food and wine pairing at Elephant’s Eye, Hwange in Zimbabwe. Indulge in world-class wines and learn all about open-fire…
Global Traveler names SAA as Best Airline in Africa for 12th consecutive year
South African Airways has been, for the 12th consecutive year, honored by Global Traveler Magazine, as “Best Airline in Africa” in the magazine’s annual GT Tested Reader’s survey. The magazine presented the award to Todd Neuman, Vice President, Commercial for South African Airways in North America at a ceremony held on December 8, at the…
Country Boutique Hotel opens in January 2016 under the EXTRAORDINARY portfolio
A stunning hotel is being constructed on the outskirts of White River, Mpumalanga. With an expected opening in mid-January 2016. Cindy Sheedy Walker CEO of Extraordinary has expressed her delight in adding this hotel to the Extraordinary Collection of Luxury Lodges and Hotels. “We will be offering several new packages in conjunction with our Kruger…
Retosa Launches Southern Africa Women In Tourism Awards
Lilongwe, Nov. 23 (RETOSA) –The Regional Tourism Organization of Southern Africa (RETOSA) has launched its Southern Africa Women in Tourism Awards at its 2nd Annual Southern Africa Women in Tourism which took place on 23 and 24 November in Lilongwe, Malawi. The awards, which aim to recognize women’s contribution and projects in tourism development in…
Leeu House in Franschhoek Now Open
Leeu House, an exclusive 5-star, 12-bedroom boutique hotel located in the heart of Franschhoek, South Africa’s gourmet capital in the picturesque Franschhoek Valley, opened its doors on December 1, 2015. It is designed as a contemporary take on a traditional Cape Dutch house, with nods to the French Huguenot architecture of the surrounding area. A…
South Africa prepares for the cruising boom
Johannesburg – The South African cruise industry is growing at a rapid rate and moves are afoot to improve port passenger terminal infrastructure to cope with the increasing demand. Allan Foggitt, sales and marketing director for MSC Cruises, says: “Cruising has never performed better. “To date, more than 80 percent of our annual budget has…
2015 American Traveler Report Now Available
The Travel & Adventure Show’s report on the state of today’s American travel consumer is now available courtesy of the Travel & Adventure Show Series. Download Your Copy of the 2015 American Traveler Report This report contains: Habits of American travelers Booking influencers Trends for 2016 And more! Contact Shane Higgins, Sales Manager at 203.713.1086 or by…
Montagu Country Hotel Becomes Fair Trade Tourism Certified
The Western Cape’s renowned Montagu Country Hotel is now Fair Trade Tourism certified. Located in Montagu, in the heart of the picturesque Robertson Wine Route on the famed Route 62, it is the only original Art Deco hotel in South Africa and is a perfect halfway stop between Cape Town and the Garden Route. Originally built in…
Anantara Medjumbe Island Re-opened
Anantara Medjumbe Island Resort opened its doors once again on December 1st. The resort’s much-anticipated soft reopening is poised to bring truly memorable experiences for its guests. A paradise escape that is naturally exclusive, the 12-villa resort welcomes guests following four months of refurbishment. New furnishings and upgrades to the villas and guest areas will…
Africa Visa Openness Index showcases Rwanda and Mauritius
The African Development Bank has moved ahead on finalizing the first Africa Visa Openness Index. The Index ranks African countries on the level of openness/restrictiveness of their visa regimes. Its aim is to drive visa policy reforms across Africa, simplify visa application procedures and encourage positive reciprocity. Facilitating the…
Lamu: Africa’s Most Captivating Artists Retreat
A remote African island is home to an extraordinary artists retreat. Lamu Town is a medieval labyrinth so perfectly intact it was named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2001. Created by Nicholas Logsdail, a highly influential art dealer and the owner of Lisson Gallery, the Factory has been transformed over the past decade into…
Meet Steve Boyes – NatGeo Adventurer
Steve led a 35-person team of explorers and scientists across 2 540km from the source of the Okavango delta in the Angolan highlands to its desert estuary in Botswana in 5-metre, flat-bottom mekoro, or canoes – an expedition which qualified him as a contender for the 2015 National Geographic Adventurer of the Year, with the…
INDABA Hosted Buyer Programme now live.
The much anticipated Hosted Buyer Programme is now live. The Hosted Buyer Programme hosts top quality global buyers that seek to experience and engage in African tourism networking opportunities. This programme is tailored to provide the Hosted Buyer with targeted meetings matched with the industry suppliers. Applications are available on the INDABA website: Apply Now.…
Stellenbosch Street Soirees Starting Soon
The first Stellenbosch Street Soirees for the season will spill onto the bustling Drostdy Street on 9 December. showcase the town’s unique food and wine culture on its oak-lined streets, allowing locals and visitors alike to sip, savour and share in the vibrant spirit of this ‘forever young’ town. These fun gatherings are happening in…
Save the Date for the 2016 APTA Gathering in New York
This year’s Gathering will take place in New York City on the first evening of the New York Times Travel Show. Details are still to come but save the date for January 8th at 6pm when we’ll celebrate the start of the most prestigious travel show in the USA, the New York Times Travel Show.…
7 Safety Tips when visiting Cape Town this festive season
Please feel free to share this handy info-graphic with your clients to assist when planning a trip to Cape Town this festive season. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD FULL SIZE
The ladies take to the skies at Air Zimbabwe & Ethiopian Airlines
On November 13th, Two Zimbabwean female pilots made history when they became the first all-woman team to fly from Harare to Victoria Falls. Read More Meanwhile, Ethiopian Airlines operated its first “All-Women-Functioned Flight” on the Addis Ababa – Bangkok route on November 19, 2015 Read MoreMeanwhile, Ethiopian Airlines operated its first “All-Women-Functioned Flight” on the…
HAPPY THANKSGIVING
WISHING ALL APTA MEMBERS A VERY HAPPY THANKSGIVING. APTA DISPATCHES WILL RESUME NEXT WEEK.
Sanctuary Chief’s Camp – Luxurious new pavilions to open in June 2016
Renowned for its exceptional levels of service and customer experience, the exclusive Sanctuary Chief’s Camp is consistently rated as one of the top safari camps in Botswana. It is located on Chief’s Island in the Mombo Concession of the famous Moremi Game Reserve in Botswana, an area known as the ‘predator capital of Africa’. Adding…
Excitement, anticipation in Nairobi surrounding Pope Francis visit
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis leaves on Wednesday, November 25, for his first apostolic trip to Africa. The Holy Father plans to travel to Uganda and the Central African Republic later in the week, but his first stop will be Kenya. Kenya has faced many challenges over the past few years, from political crises to terrorist…
Ghana featured in GQ
My official reason for travelling was to be part of the celebrations surrounding the inaugural launch of the new SAA flight route connecting Accra to Washington – a significant occasion for Ghana and for the African continent as a whole – not simply because of the prospective business opportunities, but also because of the wealth…
Egypt opens tombs to spur tourist interest
Egypt opened three tombs in the ancient city of Luxor to the public for the first time on Thursday, hoping to spur interest in tourism, despite the shadow of last weekend’s airline crash in the Sinai Peninsula. One of the major tombs that was opened belonged to a Viceroy of Kush named Hun, who worked…
Morocco Tourism unveils new website
A new website, www.muchmorocco.com, the official page of Morocco Tourism for the UK and US, is spearheading a campaign designed to boost tourism to Morocco. The site has been unveiled as part of a tourism promotion push by the north African countr, also involving print and online display advertising, events and social media.
Still time to Register for Akwaaba 2015
Akwaaba Travel Market, the only international Travel Fair in West Africa, has grown to become the most important travel marketing platform in the region, drawing attendance from over 7,000 to 10,000 visitors from 20 countries. It is being held on November 22 – 24 at the Lagos Convention Center, EKO Hotels & Suite, Victoria Island,…
SA Airways in Top 5 Airlines with the most legroom
According to Conde Nast Traveller’s findings, South African Airways provides the second most legroom in the world. Newer and more efficient airplanes means airlines are offering longer and longer flights, but can you handle 13 hours with only 30 inches of space? Condé Nast Traveller reports which airlines, both domestic and international, offer the best (and…
Marriott buys Starwood – Becomes the world’s largest hotel company
Hotel behemoth Marriott International, which acquired 116 Protea Hotels in Africa in 2014, is taking over Starwood to become the world’s largest hotelier. The deal will add 50 percent more rooms to Marriott’s portfolio, and leave it with 5,500 properties and over 1 million rooms around the world. The transaction is expected to close in…
Muizenberg’s historic mile revamped in time for holiday season
Cape Town – Commuters travelling between Muizenberg, Kalk Bay and Fish Hoek to Cape Town know of the tedious congestion along the Muizenberg mile, where road works have been ongoing for the past couple of years. Thankfully, the road works are now a thing of the past, leaving only the beautifully-renovated historic mile along this…
New Sabi Sand Guest Conservation Contribution
At the recent AGM of the Sabi Sand, a new Guest Conservation Contribution (GCC) was introduced in order to help contribute to the enormous costs of countering the current rhino poaching epidemic. The conservation levy has been set at R100 per person per night for guests visiting lodges with Rack rates at the higher end…
Under African Skies welcomes Heritage Hotels East Africa to their portfolio
Kenya’s best-known and most hospitable ‘safari host’, Heritage Hotels, offers seven properties in three different brands: Voyager camps and resorts in Tsavo and Mombasa; the famous Intrepids camps in Samburu and the Maasai Mara; Naivasha’s Great Rift Valley Lodge; the five-star Mara Explorer camp; the island hideaway of Kipungani Lamu. Heritage is renowned for the…
10 Elephants Collared for Hwange Movement Study
Please find attached press release for your information regarding Wilderness Safaris Elephant Movement Study in Hwange. To date, a total of 10 elephants have been collared as part of a study that aims to assess the impact social dominance has on elephant movements and habitat use. The study, which is being funded by the Wilderness…
11 Memorable Train Journeys in Africa, From Cairo To Cape Town
The train is not the most popular — nor the most efficient — way to travel in Africa, but its aura of faded bygone glamour makes it a must for those who are fans of slow travel. Yes, there are quicker ways to get from point A to point B, but these noteworthy train journeys in…
Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa touch down in CPT Daily
Turkish Airlines has officially launched direct flights between Cape Town and Istanbul. The daily flights were launched due to an increase in demand for direct travel between Cape Town and Istanbul, Turkish Airlines said at the official launch on Monday, 26 October. Istanbul to Cape Town – Flight TK 044 Departure: 01:15 – Arrival: 12:50 and…
Kartagener Collection Racking Up the Awards!
Several of Kartagener Associate’s partners across the African continent have recently been recognized for their outstanding product delivery, and one is currently up for two awards… Sarova Hotels won multiple honor at the World Luxury Hotel Awards in Hong Kong: Sarova Hotels, Resorts & Game Lodges was named Africa’s Leading Luxury Hotel Brand. Sarova Mara…
Lamu Cultural Festival later this month
The four-day Lamu Cultural Festival, which attracts thousands of local and international visitors, is expected to take place from November 26 to 29, 2015 Each year, Lamu comes to life during the annual Lamu Cultural Festival. Several competitions and races are staged during this week long festival. These events are designed to each encourage local…