The national Airline, Air Botswana, has suspended scheduled services on its domestic and regional route network from the 27th March to 31st May 2020. This is in support of the national call to restrict non-essential travel in efforts to slow-down and arrest the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. The suspension period is, however, subject to…
If local tourism suppliers are not flexible with cancellation policies and fees amid the COVID-19 pandemic they could potentially destroy long-term relationships with global tour operators and DMCs and lose future business. This is the opinion of Juliane Loubser, MD of Cape Town-based DMC, Fairfield Tours, who told Tourism Update that many South African tourism suppliers were sticking…
Countries around the world are adopting and integrating the United Nations World Tourism Organisation’s new ‘Stay home today so you can travel tomorrow’ campaign to curb the spread of COVID-19 while still stimulating travel appetites for the future. UNWTO is promoting the tagline on digital media through the hashtag #TravelTomorrow. It encourages travellers to adhere to…
Ethiopian Airlines, the Pan-African carrier, has delivered medical supplies donated by Jack Ma, the founder of China’s e-commerce giant Alibaba, to 39 African Countries within 5 days. Ethiopian has transported Jack Ma’s support including testing kits, masks and protective suits. Following its historical track record of serving Africa in both good and bad times, Ethiopian…
On Monday, 23 March, the South African Presidency announced the decision to put South Africa in full lockdown, in response to the compounding risk of the Covid-19 Global Pandemic. As of midnight, Thursday 26 March, Jabulani will remain closed until we reopen on 17 April 2020. I hope that through these common worldwide restrictions, our global travel family will…
Airlink, the South African-based domestic and regional airline, is suspending all operations after midnight this Thursday, 26 March 2020 in support of South Africa’s lock-down to slow and contain the spread of the COVID-19 “Coronavirus”. “In the face of this global public health emergency, the safety and well-being of our customers, crew, employees their families…
Earlier this year, when the first reports of the coronavirus started to come out of China, global health officials said they were very worried about what would happen if the virus started spreading in Africa, where many health systems are already struggling. Well, now the coronavirus is spreading in Africa. So far the number of…
Malawi has imposed a travel ban on foreign nationals from countries affected by the Covid-19 disease. President Peter Mutharika announced the ban on Friday when he also announced other measures put in place to manage the threat of coronavirus in the country. “My Government has banned travel of foreign nationals from countries highly affected by…
Several African countries have confirmed their first cases of the coronavirus, while Rwanda has become the first nation in Africa to be placed on lockdown. According to the World Health Organization, more than 1,000 cases had been reported across Africa as of Sunday. In Uganda, Health Minister Jane Ruth Aceng announced the first case, saying that a man flew…
As the coronavirus infects more people around the world, conservationists are warning of the risk to another vulnerable species: Africa’s endangered mountain gorilla. Congo’s Virunga National Park, home to about a third of the world’s mountain gorillas, is barring visitors until June 1, citing “advice from scientific experts indicating that primates, including mountain gorillas, are…
South Africa has announced a nationwide lockdown of its 56 million inhabitants for 21 days, enforced by police and the army, in a bid to curtail the spread of coronavirus. Confirmed cases in the country currently sit at 552, the highest in Africa but much lower than other major economies across Europe and the Americas,…
Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary in Uganda, which cares for orphaned chimpanzees, is closing until the end of April. “COVID-19 affects humans but can potentially also affect chimpanzees and other apes. The risk to our closest cousins is enormous,” says Executive Director Dr Joshua Rukundo. To protect both visitors and the chimps, the sanctuary is closed to all…
Tourism Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane says she has instructed that tourist attractions across the country be closed following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement of a national lockdown from midnight on Thursday to curb the spread of COVID-19. “We are saying to tour operators and tour guides, you have an obligation to be responsible and protect South Africans…
Please see the following message from Kenya Airways Group Managing Director and CEO, Allan Kilavuka Greetings, We in Kenya Airways have been working hard to help our passengers return to their homes given the increased travel restrictions across the world. As we mentioned in our previous communication, we have been forced to reduce our network…
Dear Partners, As you are all aware, so much has happened in the last few weeks. COVID-19 has made the world a different place from how we know it. First and foremost, our thoughts go out to all those that have been affected by this situation. We would like to extend, wholeheartedly, our sincere gratitude…
Solomon (Sol) Kerzner, one of the world’s most innovative hoteliers, founder of the Southern Sun hotel group, Sun International and Kerzner International, has died of cancer surrounded by his family at the Kerzner family home, Leeukoppie Estate, in Cape Town, South Africa. Always a maverick, Kerzner was a titan of the hotel and resort industry who redefined the scale and…
South African Airways (SAA) is suspending all international and some regional Africa flights, effective March 20 through May 31, 2020. This immediate action has become necessary due to additional restrictions that have recently been implemented to prevent the spread of COVID-19 Coronavirus throughout South Africa. Please see the attached press release that was issued by…
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.…
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…
As the novel coronavirus rages through the world and spreads rapidly in the U.S., Africa is the least-affected continent at the moment, with less than 300 reported cases in roughly half of its 54 countries so far. A number of media outlets have reacted with a confounded tone, surprised that Africa does not have more…
Seychelles on Monday announced it is temporarily closing down the island nation to cruise ships, a decision taken to protect the population from the threat of the COVID-19 virus but one that will also carry economic reverberations. Top government officials met on Monday to discuss the imminent arrival of a new cruise ship — the Norwegian Spirit — and…
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…
Transnet Ports Authority (TNPA) has confirmed that two cruise liners are being held “off port limits” following one crew member displaying COVID-19 symptoms (the suspected case has yet to be confirmed). TNPA said in a press statement that it was the first suspected case of COVID-19 in a South African seaport. The crew member had…
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 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 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…
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…
Uganda currently has no confirmed cases of COVID-19 as of 11th March 2020. However, to date a total of 1,632 travelers including Ugandans and others traveling back home have been identified as high-risk and and identified for the purposes of follow-up. A total of 986 travelers are under self-quarantine, of which 606 have completed the…
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…
Slow Food is a global, grassroots movement that links the pleasure of food with a commitment to community and the environment. As part of our commitment to the movement we have introduced African fusion tapas lunches at Elewana Loisaba Lodo Springs. Our Chef comes out to meet our guests and introduces each of the dishes.…
ET Flight 500 touched down Sunday at Washington’s Dulles International Airport shortly after 9am. The journey to mark International Women’s Day began over 17 hours earlier in Addis Ababa. Much applause greeted Captain Amsale Gualu and her crew on arrival with a colorful and lively celebration at IAD to honor the occasion. Washington Mayor Muriel…
Great news for gorillas and the humans that adore them: The latest wildlife census determined that Uganda’s mountain gorilla population has increased from 400 (in 2011) to 459 (in 2018), bringing the total global wild population to 1,063 individuals. Uganda’s Ministry of Tourism Wildlife and Antiquities, together with the Greater Virunga Transboundary Collaboration, revealed that…
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…
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…
Malawi’s commercial capital Blantyre will have a face list with five star hotel which has been completed at Chichiri and set to be opened in April. The Minister of Industry, Trade and Tourism Salim Bagus toured the newly consutructed Five Star Hotel in Blantyre-Pic Arkangel Tembo Minister of Industry, Trade and Tourism Salim Bagus doing…
The first day Ruth Willatt arrived at Shanga in October 2017 she knew she had found a new place to call home. There were many reasons, but the main one was hearing the rhythms of weaving looms. A swish and a swish, click clack, a swish and a swish, click clack…. Shanga has a very…
To date, only three cases of infection have been officially recorded in Africa, one in Egypt, one in Algeria and one in Nigeria, with no deaths. This is a remarkably small number for a continent with nearly 1.3 billion inhabitants, and barely a drop in the ocean of more than 86,000 cases and nearly 3,000 deaths recorded in some…
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 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…
The Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) has issued a travel warning for tourists from China, South Korea, Japan, Italy, and Iran, telling travelers intending to come to Uganda to delay their travel date due to the spread of the new coronavirus. UTB Chief Executive Office Lilly Ajarova, in the new guidelines, warned that travel from the…
Springbok Atlas Tours & Safaris have developed a travel for exploration and conservation package. It is a self-drive adventure through South Africa that makes your travel matter! Along the way you will visit game reserves and enjoy excursions that are committed to conservation and preservation of the wonders of our planet. Sustainable travel is fast…
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…
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,…
Are you thinking about doing an EcoTraining course, and want to know what to expect from the camps and reserves? Take a look at this Pridelands VIDEO to learn more about the EcoTraining experience and camps from their Courses or a Gap Year in the wild. Situated in the Limpopo Province of South Africa, north…
Notice for Postponement for 2020 ‘TAKULANDIRANI’ Malawi International Tourism Expo – ‘Takulandirani’ Malawi International Tourism Expo that was scheduled from 23rd to 25th April has been postponed to a date to be announced
Ethiopian Cargo & Logistics Services, Africa’s largest network cargo operator and multi-award winner, has won the ‘International Air Cargo Marketer of the Year’ Award at the 2020 STAT International Award for Excellence in Air Cargo which was held from 25-27 February, 2020 in Mumbai, India. Ethiopian Cargo & Logistics Services won the award for its…
Kenya Tourism Board has been executing travel workshops on the West Coast this week. On Monday 15 Kenyan suppliers met with 40 American buyers at the Kimpton Everly Hotel in Hollywood. The event was opened by H.E. Ambassador Njeri Karago, Consul General of the Republic of Kenya in Los Angeles. On Tuesday, the roadshow continued…
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’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…
Lilongwe Wildlife Centre (LWC) is Malawi’s only wildlife rescue centre, home to around 200 animals and world renowned for its high standards of animal welfare. Set in a beautiful 180-hectare reserve in the heart of the capital, Lilongwe, LWC is a critical part of the city’s unique cultural history and increasingly fragile biodiversity. Read more…