Niger Announces Creation of New National Airline

The Nigerien government has announced plans to establish a new national airline as well as a regional carrier under the Alliance of Sahel States (ASS), marking a significant step toward improving air connectivity within the country and across the region. According to the Nigerien News Agency, Niger’s Minister of Transport and Equipment, Colonel Salisu Mahaman…

Africa Welcomed 74 Million Tourists in 2024

An estimated 1,4 billion tourists travelled internationally in 2024, indicating a virtual recovery (99%) of 2019 pre-pandemic levels, according to the latest World Tourism Barometer from UN Tourism. This represents an increase of 11% over 2023, or 140 million more international tourist arrivals. The results were driven by strong post-pandemic demand, robust performance from large…

New African Union-Themed Village in Ethiopia

Kuriftu Resort & Spa has recently launched the African Village – a new addition to its hospitality portfolio in Ashewa Meda on the outskirts of Addis Ababa. Designed to celebrate Africa’s cultural diversity and unity, the African Union-themed resort features 54 luxury villas representing different African nations. The African Village is equipped with nine conference…

TSA Finalizes May 7 Real ID Enforcement Deadlines

The Transportation Security Administration on Monday published a final rule providing a framework for federal agency phased enforcement of Real ID requirements. Federal agencies, including TSA, will begin Real ID enforcement on the deadline of May 7, 2025. Starting on that date, only those state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards that meet the security requirements…

Green Safaris Offers 2-Free Nights

Green Safaris has announced an exceptional offer for those seeking a serene and sustainable adventure in Malawi & Zambia during the Secret Season. This exclusive promotion invites guests to enjoy nine unforgettable nights at Green Safaris lodges while paying for only seven, and covers Kaya Mawa on Lake Malawi as well as Green Safaris lodges…

Airline Drops Licensing Compliance Bombshell in SA

A recent decision by the Air Services Licensing Council (ASLC) finding FlySafair non-compliant with domestic licensing rules, could jeopardise the operations of other major airlines in South Africa and potentially bring significant disruption for air travel, says FlySafair in a media release issued yesterday afternoon, January 14. “The Council has issued a ruling that calls into…

Radisson Blu Waterfront Cape Town Joins Radisson Luxury Lifestyle Portfolio

After an extensive refurbishment, Radisson Blu Waterfront Cape Town has rebranded as the first South African hotel under the global hotel group’s luxury lifestyle portfolio, Radisson Collection. Radisson Collection Hotel, Waterfront Cape Town, features 175 rooms and suites with floor-to-ceiling windows and private balconies overlooking either the ocean or the marina. In line with the…

Air Tanzania Banned from EU Airspace

The European Commission has added Air Tanzania to the EU Air Safety List, banning it from flying in the EU. “The latest update adds Air Tanzania to the list due to safety concerns identified by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency,” said the Commission, which did not specify any particular violations. The airline has subsequently…

Malawi Positioning as a Bird Watcher Paradise

While many African countries claim to be a birdwatcher’s paradise, Malawi’s credentials are particularly impressive. The country is a birder’s paradise. Few places in Africa can rival Malawi’s range of bird species, combined with the accessibility of its birdwatching. Around 650 different species have been identified here, with 10% seen nowhere else in southern Africa.…

Lesotho Boutique Hotel Reopens

A Lesotho boutique hotel, which closed due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, is reopening its doors in mid-December. Situated in the capital, Maseru, Mpilo Boutique Hotel shut its doors in 2021. Parent company Flame Lily Hospitality has since completed an extensive transformation to welcome guests back with enhanced amenities including a fine dining…

Sierra Leone Makes Significant Strides in Visa Openness, Boosting Tourism Potential

Sierra Leone has achieved a remarkable transformation in its visa openness policies, significantly enhancing access for travelers and strengthening its appeal as a tourism destination. Between 2023 and 2024, the country’s Visa Openness Index (AVOI) score rose by 0.309 points to reach 0.811, propelling its ranking from 22nd to 13th among African nations. This change…

Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (TATO) Unveils Unique Travel Experiences at MATKA Helsinki and FITUR Madrid 2025

The Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (TATO) is excited to announce its participation in the MATKA Nordic Travel Fair in Helsinki, Finland, from 16th to 19th January 2025. TATO will be represented by 14 co-exhibitors, including safari and trekking operators, Zanzibar tour specialists, activity providers, and accommodation suppliers, all promoting Tanzania as a premier travel…

Proposed Five-star Hotel Attracts Controversy in Seychelles

A non-profit environmental protection organisation, with Seychelles President Wavel Ramkalawan as patron, has called for construction of a five-star hotel on Assumption Island close to the Aldabra Atoll – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – to stop. The Seychelles Islands Foundation (SIF) manages and protects the uninhabited Aldabra Atoll located over 1 000km southwest of the main island…

The Africa Rally Returns to Malawi in 2025

Sub-Saharan Africa’s Biggest Road Trip Event, in which anyone and any vehicle can enter, is returning to Malawi in 2025! The 5,000km three week epic starts in Hartbeespoort, South Africa on 5th July before travelling through Botswana, past the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, through Chobe National Park, and to Victoria Falls in Zambia.  It then heads east,…

Singita Announces First Property in Botswana

Singita has announced plans to open its first Botswana property in the Okavango Delta. Singita Elela is set to open in July 2026 and will offer travellers exclusive year-round access to a 170 000-hectare concession. “As our presence in Africa gradually and naturally grows, we are privileged to be expanding into Botswana’s Okavango Delta. Singita Elela…

Airlink Halts Johannesburg-Maseru Service

Airlink has halted its daily service between Johannesburg and Maseru due to unavailability of fire and rescue services and equipment at Moshoeshoe I International Airport. All flights on the route have been cancelled. The airline will resume normal service as soon as the airport operator has restored the necessary emergency support services. Daily flights affected…

SAA Pilot Strike Underway

SAA has announced that the strike by the SAA Pilots Association (SAAPA) will go ahead today, December 5. This comes after a wage dispute between SAA and SAAPA, with the latter demanding a 30% pay increase. SAA only offered an 8,46% pay increase. In response to this situation, the following travel advisory has been issued…

Africa Showcase 2024 Wraps Up with Resounding Success in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Toronto

Africa Showcase 2024, hosted in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Toronto over the past two weeks, proved to be an extraordinary celebration of African tourism, business connections, and cultural exchange. With a vibrant turnout of top-producing travel agents and Africa specialists, the event highlighted the growing appeal of Southern, East, and West African destinations in the…

Africa’s Eden North America Roadshow Announced for January 2025

Africa’s Eden is set to bring its renowned North America Roadshow to Austin, Texas, and Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in January 2025. This immersive two-day event provides African travel experts and U.S. buyers an unparalleled opportunity to connect, learn, and build lasting relationships. The Roadshow combines destination workshops, one-on-one round-robin meetings, and social networking activities, all…

Sierra Leone and UN Tourism Unite to Boost Women’s Roles in Tourism Across Africa

In a landmark event, Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, together with UN Tourism, orchestrated a three-day Women in Tourism Regional Congress under the theme “Beyond Empowerment to Education, Innovation, and Finance Access.” This pivotal gathering attracted over 500 attendees from varying sectors including hospitality, cultural, and creative industries throughout Sierra Leone and…

Anantara Debuts at Zim’s Victoria Falls

Minor Hotels has announced its debut in Zimbabwe with the Anantara Stanley & Livingstone Victoria Falls Hotel – complementing The Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Zambia Hotel by Anantara and completing an unparalleled Victoria Falls offering with luxury accommodation on both sides of the Zambezi River. Marking a significant step in the Minor Hotels expansion strategy in Africa,…

Emirates Ups Services in Africa

Emirates has further increased its presence across Africa with the introduction of additional flights to Entebbe in Uganda, Addis Ababa in Ethiopia and Johannesburg in South Africa. Since the inaugural flight into Africa with Cairo as its first destination in 1986, Emirates has grown its presence on the continent and now serves 20 passenger and…

Atzaró Okavango Reopens in the Delta

Atzaró Okavango, located in Botswana’s Okavango Delta, recently reopened after extensive renovations. A collaboration between Atzaró Group and African Bush Camps, the lodge has been reimagined with focus on sustainability and cultural heritage. It features eight suites and two villas constructed with eco-friendly materials, including repurposed tree roots and solar-powered infrastructure. Each unit includes private…

New Service Connects CPT to the Vic Falls

Proflight Zambia has introduced a new service between Cape Town and Livingstone, starting December 1. The service offers dual benefits: tourism access to the Victoria Falls and enhanced business connectivity to Lusaka, with passengers to Zambia’s capital remaining onboard during the brief Livingstone stopover. The flights operate on Thursdays and Sundays, while an additional Saturday…