South Africa Imposes Travel Restrictions Affecting USA

In a sweeping set of measures Sunday, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said visas of citizens from high-risk countries, including the United States, have been revoked to contain the coronavirus epidemic. Although South Africa has seen only 61 cases of the coronavirus, and no deaths so far, according to officials, this visa shutdown appeared to be aimed at work visas.…

Ghana Bans US Travelers

The Republic of Ghana has instituted a stringent travel restriction in its bid to control the Coronavirus in the country. Ghana has confirmed at least six cases. According to a new travel advisory released by the country’s Information Ministry, any traveller, except for Ghanaian citizens and persons with Ghana residence permits, who within 14 days…

Kenya Closes Border to Foreigners

Kenya halted the entry of foreigners from countries that have confirmed coronavirus cases and suspended schools in a bid to reduce the risk of contagion within the East African country. “Only Kenyan citizens and any foreigners with valid residence permits will be allowed to come in provided they proceed on self-quarantine or to a government…

SA Express to Suspend Operations

SA Express will suspend operations from today (18 March 2020) until further notice. This is in light of “recent adverse developments”, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the airline said in a brief statement. This decision will impact both SA Express customers and staff in the following manner: •           All customers will be accommodated…

Delta Suspends JHB Flights

Delta will suspend all flights out of Johannesburg from March 24. Agents queried the flights when they were unable to book past March 24 on the system. Jimmy Eichelgruen, director of sales in the Africa, Middle East & Indian Sub-Continent, confirmed the news to eTNW, adding that a statement would be released later today. The…

SAA Scales Down Due to COVID-19 Pandemic

SAA has scaled down capacity in response to the low demand for air travel following travel disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. South Africa’s national carrier has reviewed its flight schedule and has decided to operate flights only under circumstances where its load factors and other business considerations weigh in favour of scheduling flights. However…

Indaba Postponed

President Cyril Ramaphosa announced measures to combat the COVID-19 pandemic in South Africa that have far reaching ramifications for us as a sector. The Minister of Tourism, Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane, has confirmed that the tourism industry will play its role in supporting the needed measures announced by the President. We are working closely with the Minister…

COVID-19 Updates from Africa

Rwanda implements six new instructions for COVID-19 The Ministry of Health in Rwanda has issued six new instruction for COVID-19 screening at all points of entry. The new instructions are for immediate implementation by deployed health staff. The instructions include that all travellers presenting COVID-19 symptoms and those coming from countries with confirmed cases of…

Hideaways Announces New Best of Chobe & Hwange Route

Innovative travel is at the heart of Hideaways. Safari specialists have designed an entirely new route which encompasses the best of Hideaways’ Hwange and Chobe properties and experiences, celebrating connected travel on a fresh and immersive safari. Starting and ending in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, the trip is comprised of properties carefully selected for their interactive…

Global Hotel Group Debuts in Namibia

International hotel group Habitas has debuted in Africa with the opening of its new hotel, Habitas Namibia, in Windhoek this month. There are 15 guest rooms, with each custom-built private lodge located along the ridge of a hillside. A private villa on the property sleeps ten. The communal areas include a restaurant, fire pits, swimming…

Zimbabwe & Botswana Deepen Cooperation in Conservation

Zimbabwe and Botswana have vowed to continue collaborating on environmental conservation issues, including efforts to combat poaching and illegal trade in wildlife species as well as promoting tourism activities in the two neighbouring countries. The two countries issued a joint communiqué following the second session of the bi-national commission between Botswana and Zimbabwe held in…

Marriott Opens New Flagship Hotel in Johannesburg

Marriott International has opened Johannesburg Marriott Hotel Melrose Arch and Marriott Executive Apartments Melrose Arch. The hotel is owned and developed by the Amdec Group, and the opening marks the first purpose-built Marriott Hotel and the debut of Marriott Executive Apartments in South Africa. The hotel features 306 guest rooms, two dining venues, seven meeting…

Questions & Answers on COVID-19

Katja Quasdorf interviews medical professional Simon King. In the interview we answered some of the industry’s concerns about the current Covid-19 situation. Dr King outlines the similarities of Covid-19 to other influenza-based illnesses we have previously encountered, how to approach testing, as well as precaution and prevention in travel. [Full article] Speaking with Dr King eliminated a…

La Maison d’Eté Hotel Added to Newmark Portfolio

Mauritius – The V&A Hotel Group under the management of Newmark Hotels, Reserves, Lodges and Residences is proud to announce its acquisition of La Maison d’Été Hotel in Mauritius – a luxuriant, hotel beckoning those in search of an opulent tropical escape. The La Maison d’Été hotel is set within an enclave of pristine beaches,…

Seychelles Institutes Corona Virus Travel Ban

In a revised travel advisory issued by the Public Health Authority, no persons from Seychelles apart from returning residents are allowed to travel to China, including the Special Administrative Region (SAR), South Korea, Italy and Iran with immediate effect. This ban would also impact tourists visiting Seychelles who have recently traveled to infected countries. The revision is part…

Eswatini Confident of Growing Tourism Numbers

Eswatini’s tourism sector is confident that it will exceed the goal of more than two million tourist arrivals by 2023 through strategic partnerships with other southern African tourism organisations. CEO of the Eswatini Tourism Authority (ETA), Linda Nxumalo, explained to Tourism Update that although the tourism industry was doing well, there was always room for growth. “The government…

Ethiopian Mobile App Hits One Million Downloads

The number of Ethiopian Mobile App users has reached one million. With a robust and integrated digital strategy, Ethiopian has set an innovative approach to simplicity and seamless end-to-end customer experience with its user-friendly mobile App. The multi-award winning global airline launched into a digitization journey with localized service, languages and payment options. Being a…

Zanzibar Unveils Freddie Mercury Museum

The Elewana Collection reports that the first-ever museum dedicated to music legend Freddie Mercury has opened on the island of Zanzibar. Officially partnered with Queen Productions in the UK, the museum aims to showcase his birth as Farrokh Bulsara, his roots with the Zoroastrian religion, his childhood and upbringing in Zanzibar, followed by his schooling…

New 4-Day Wilderness Trail to Lake Malawi

Luwawa Forest Lodge, located on the Viphya Plateau, offer guests a unique downhill hike from Luwawa Forest Lodge, high up on the Viphya Plateau, to Kachere Kastle located on the shores of Lake Malawi. The 74km trail spans four days, allowing the opportunity to wild camp for three nights amid stunning natural beauty with close proximity to safe,…

“Mr Google” at Camp Kuzuma

It’s much more than the location, wildlife, bespoke accommodation and landscape that makes the Hideaways experience so life-changing. An incredibly important component of our guests’ safari holiday is the personalities and capabilities of our incredible staff. The characters of Camp Kuzuma each play an important role in the experience of our guests and we would…

Auric Air is Exhibiting at ITB Berlin 2020

Auric Air is exhibiting at ITB Berlin from 4th March 2020 – 8th March 2020  at Tanzania stand located in Hall. 21.A/Stand No.128 Meet us to discuss various flight options within Tanzania, to/from Serengeti, Selous, Ruaha, Zanzibar, Mafia, Manyara, Tarangire, Pemba and between Serengeti/Entebbe, Serengeti/Kigali, Serengeti/Masai Mara. Please write back to us at dgupta@auricair.com with your desired date and time…