Speakers Unveiled for APTA Global Forum in Arusha

We’re thrilled to unveil the powerful lineup of confirmed speakers for the 2025 APTA Global Forum—returning to Africa this September! This year’s event will take place in Arusha, Tanzania, the beating heart of East African tourism and conservation. From the savannas of the Serengeti to the slopes of Kilimanjaro and the dynamic corridors of cross-border travel, these speakers are at the…

Anantara Maia Seychelles Villas Introduces Marine Discovery Programme

Anantara Maia Seychelles Villas has introduced a Marine Discovery Programme in partnership with education specialists, WiseOceans, giving guests a hands-on role in coral reef restoration and marine education. The initiative combines guided snorkelling excursions and science-based workshops led by marine biologists, with a focus on reef rehabilitation. This forms part of the resort’s broader commitment to…

Etihad Doubles Nairobi Flights

Etihad Airways is significantly ramping up its presence in Africa, with a major boost to its Nairobi service. Beginning Dec. 15, the airline will double its flights between Abu Dhabi and Kenya’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, increasing from the current once-daily schedule to twice-daily operations. This development follows the successful relaunch of the route in December 2024, which…

Africa’s Hotel Development Pipeline Hits Record Highs with 577 Projects Underway

A new report from the W Hospitality Group reveals an unprecedented surge in the hotel development pipeline across Africa, providing a beacon of hope for the continent’s tourism and hospitality sectors. The 2024 Hotel Development Pipeline Report indicates a total of 577 hotels and resorts are under development, offering a staggering 104,444 rooms—an impressive 13.3% increase…

Malawi Launches New Tourism Authority

Malawi has passed its landmark new Tourism Act that formalises the establishment of the Malawi Tourism Authority (MTA) to regulate the sector and lead coordinated efforts to market the country internationally. Malawi’s Tourism Minister Vera Kamtukule said the Act signals a major policy shift, aiming to create a “modern, competitive and sustainable tourism sector” that aligns with…

Mara-Serengeti Flight Link Suspended

Regional airline AirKenya has temporarily suspended its flight service between Migori in Kenya and Tarime in Tanzania – a popular route for travellers crossing between the Maasai Mara and the Serengeti. The suspension is due to temporary closure of the Tarime Aerodrome for major runway and other infrastructure maintenance scheduled to take place between April 21…

AirlinePros International Appointed General Sales Agent for Air Sierra Leone in the United Kingdom

AirlinePros International is pleased to announce its appointment as the General Sales Agent (GSA) for Air Sierra Leone in the United Kingdom. Air Sierra Leone has unveiled plans to launch thrice-weekly flights between London Gatwick (LGW) and Freetown (FNA), commencing on June 16th. Additionally, the airline will operate an inaugural flight on Sunday, April 27th,…

Air Access to Lodges Restored Ahead of Busy Easter

Progress has been made in restoring air access to private safari lodges ahead of the busy Easter weekend as the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) works through a high volume of applications from aerodrome operators who had to suspend operations due to non-compliance with new regulations. The regulations, gazetted on March 28, require all aerodromes…

A New Chapter for Ugandan Tourism

New high-end lodges, strategic marketing and increasing global interest have seen Uganda steadily emerge as one of Africa’s most promising tourism destinations. However, the destination will have to navigate several lingering challenges including past security concerns, limited infrastructure and a controversial track record in LGBTQI+ rights, which continues to impact its global image. “In the…

SAA Ups Flights to Windhoek

From May 1, South African Airways (SAA) will add a daily flight on its Johannesburg-Windhoek route, increasing operations on the route from two to three daily. The new flight SA70 will depart Johannesburg at 05h55 and arrive in Windhoek at 07h50. The return flight SA71 will depart Windhoek at 14h30 and arrive in Johannesburg at…

Sierra Leone a Top Emerging Cruise Destination at SeaTrade Miami 2025

Sierra Leone took center stage at SeaTrade Cruise Global 2025, the world’s premier maritime industry gathering celebrating its 40th anniversary, where it was recognized as one of the top emerging cruise destinations. The National Tourist Board of Sierra Leone, represented by CornerSun Destination Marketing, joined global industry leaders to showcase the country’s growing appeal to…

Ethiopian to Bring Electric Air Taxis to Africa

Ethiopian Airlines has partnered with Archer Aviation to bring an all-electric air taxi network to the region. The deal makes Ethiopian Airlines the second customer under Archer’s ‘Launch Edition’ programme, following Abu Dhabi Aviation. Archer’s Midnight aircraft is a piloted four-passenger electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicle designed for short, efficient urban flights. Ethiopian…

Southern Sun Revamps Five Joburg Hotels

Southern Sun has concluded a series of refurbishments across five of its hotels in Johannesburg’s key business districts, Sandton and Rosebank. In Sandton, the 24-storey Sandton Towers underwent an interior redesign including the renovation of its Club Floor, Atrium Restaurant, rooftop pool and lobby area. Artistic elements such as sculptures by Anton Smit and a revamped fountain…

First-of-a-kind Sound Safari in Northern Kruger

THE Outpost lodge, a Rare Retreats property situated on a private concession in the northernmost corner of the Kruger National Park, has introduced a first-to-market safari experience that utilises specialised sound equipment to fully immerse guests in the auditory environment of the African bush. During game drives, guests are given headphones connected to a microphone…

New Direct Flight to Londolozi

FEDERAL Airlines has opened bookings for its new daily direct flight from Johannesburg to the world-renowned Londolozi Private Game Reserve within the Sabi Sand. The service starts on June 1. “With FedAir’s new direct Londolozi service, guests will enjoy an effortless transition from city to safari, allowing them to maximise their time in the wilderness…

Applications Open for Magical Kenya Travel Expo (and it’s aligned with APTA Global Forum!)

The Magical Kenya Travel Expo (MKTE) is now accepting buyer applications! Scheduled for October 1–3, 2025 at Nairobi’s Uhuru Gardens National Monument and Museum, MKTE is one of East Africa’s premier tourism trade events—bringing together over 300 exhibitors and 3,000 tourism professionals from across the region and around the world. Here’s the exciting news for…