The African travel community has lost one of its most respected and recognizable figures with the passing of Jim Holden, founder of Holden Safaris and a longtime friend to many across the APTA community. Born in Lusaka, Zambia (then Northern Rhodesia), Jim’s life and career were deeply shaped by Africa from the very beginning. He…
The Zimbabwean government has increased VAT (value-added tax) and applied it to tourism services. In light of this the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority has announced increases to entry fees for the Victoria Falls rainforest. Entry for international day visitors is now as follows until further notice: Rainforest main gate: USD58 per person VIP gate: USD174pp…
The Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (TATO) wishes to inform all tourism stakeholders, including tour operators, guides, and drivers, that we are receiving alarming reports of severe flooding in Serengeti, where several vehicles have already been swept away by flood waters and there are reports of people missing. It is extremely concerning that some drivers…
Ticket sales for the 2026 APTA Global Forum only opened in mid January but already the show is 47% sold out! We expect the show to be completely sold out by spring so if you plan to attend, the time to register is now! Taking place September 25–27, 2026, in Livingstone, Zambia, at the Avani…
The Environment and Land Court in Narok, Kenya, has dismissed a petition seeking to halt operations at the Ritz-Carlton Maasai Mara Safari Camp. The petition, filed by Joel Meitamei Ole Dapash, raised concerns related to the camp’s location along the Sand River within the Maasai Mara National Reserve. In response, the camp’s developers confirmed that…
Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) has shown support for Cabinet’s drive towards halting captive lion breeding in South Africa with new provincial legislation designed to phase out captive lion facilities: The agency will no longer issue permits to new captive lion facilities. The captive breeding of lions will no longer be permitted. The importing of lions…
The Cape Winelands Airport is facing a final hurdle before construction can commence as several appeals from neighbouring landowners await a decision from Anton Bredell, the Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning. The airport project secured environmental authorisation in October 2025 following an extensive assessment process but its progression towards a…
Minor Hotels, in partnership with Dubai-based Infinity Developments, is developing the NH Collection Pemba Island Resort in Tanzania. The 145-room resort is scheduled to open in February 2030 a short drive from Pemba Airport. It will feature a selection of guest rooms, suites and villas as well as dining and MICE facilities. “Introducing the NH…
Thursday, April 16th at 1pm Eastern Register here: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/718905136507949658 Kaelo Destinations: Extraordinary Places with Meaningful Impact Join us for an exclusive introduction to Kaelo Destinations, a premium collection of extraordinary places shaped by natural beauty, authenticity and purpose. From the award-winning safari landscapes of Mashatu Game Reserve in Botswana to the acclaimed secluded coastal escape…
Kenya plans to upgrade and expand Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) over the next five years under a US$2 billion modernisation programme. The Government Delivery Unit (GDU) and the Kenya Airports Authority reviewed the implementation status of airport projects across the country and unveiled a breakdown of expansion plans for NBO. According to the…
Air Congo, the newly established flag carrier of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), has announced a significant expansion of its route network, marking a major milestone in its evolution from a domestic operator to a regional player in Africa’s aviation landscape. The airline, which commenced operations in December 2024 with domestic flights out…
In a major step for the aviation sector, Kenya Airways has completed its first intra-African flight from Nairobi to Cape Town using a 50% blend of Sustainable Aviation Fuel, in line with international standards set by International Air Transport Association and the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation, Sunday Tribune reported. The airline…