ATTA has announced the appointment of its first African female CEO, Kgomotso Ramothea, with a vision to further expand the continent’s largest tourism network. Ramothea’s appointment comes as James Haigh steps in as ATTA’s new Chair from October 2024, taking over from outgoing Chair Nick Aslin. Ramothea brings over 20 years’ experience in marketing and communications across various industries. Her…
Uber, in partnership with Aquila Private Game Reserve, has launched a full-day ‘Uber Safari’ in Cape Town. As the latest experience in Uber’s ‘Go Anywhere’ series of limited-edition travel products, Uber Safari will be exclusively available on the Uber app from October 1, 2024, until February 1, 2025. The full-day trip includes a pick-up in…
The African Traditional Sports and Games Council (ATSGC) has officially designated Namibia as host of the inaugural African Traditional Sports and Games in 2026. The event aims to celebrate Africa’s cultural heritage through traditional sports, promoting unity and cooperation among nations across the continent. The games are designed to showcase athletic talent and the diverse…
The Malawian government has initiated a programme to enhance tourism on Likoma Island by providing snorkelling and diving courses to local operators. Joyce Storey, Assistant Tourism Officer for Likoma, emphasised that these skills will play a crucial role in attracting more visitors to the island’s rich marine environments. A two-week training course was conducted in…
The Association for the Promotion of Tourism to Africa (APTA) proudly celebrated the success of its Global Forum 2024, held in Costa Mesa, California, from September 19-22. This event marked APTA’s first Global Forum in the United States since before the COVID-19 pandemic, following the immense success of last year’s Forum in Cape Town, South…
Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio addresses the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly. He was the second African leader to give a keynote speech at today’s morning session. More info here
Hospitality company Accor has expanded its portfolio in Africa with the opening of a new Sofitel-branded property in Benin. The new Sofitel Cotonou Marina Hotel & Spa offers 198 rooms, including 14 suites and five duplex suites featuring private pools. It will also offer five bars and restaurants, which will open progressively between this month and…
Namoroka Tsingy Camp, a new tented camp in Madagascar’s Tsingy de Namoroka National Park, has officially opened and welcomed its first guests. This new property offers an exclusive experience in one of Madagascar’s most remote natural environments. Key features of the Namoroka Tsingy Camp include: Location: The camp is the only accommodation available within the Tsingy de…
Zanzibar is taking a leap towards sustainable tourism with the Kizimkazi Hiking Loop – a 10 km eco-tourism trail in southern Zanzibar. This collaboration between UNDP Tanzania, State University of Zanzibar and Zanzibar’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities combines technology with nature in promoting cultural heritage and local economic growth. Part of the Bahari Maisha (Ocean Life) Project,…
he roads affected by the snowstorm over the weekend, including the N3 Toll Route, have now been reopened to traffic, according to the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), reporting on Sunday night, September 22. These include key routes in Gauteng, Free State, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Eastern Cape. Heavy snowfall and icy conditions left…
Luxury Johannesburg boutique hotel, 10 2nd Avenue in Houghton Estate, will fall under the management of Dream Hotels & Resorts from October 1. “Dream Hotels is excited to be bringing another property under our umbrella in Gauteng,” said Chris Snyman, Dream Hotels’ Chief Development Officer. “10 2nd Avenue is a perfect fit in our diverse stable,…
Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has issued assurances to passengers that it has contingency plans in place to ensure minimal disruption at King Shaka International Airport in Durban as a strike by the KZN E-hailing Council started today (Monday, September 16). The strike is expected to continue until the end of the week. Travellers expecting…
Amani Spa & Wellness has opened its doors at the Radisson Safari Hotel Hoedspruit, offering guests a tranquil retreat within the Lowveld landscape. The spa features five treatment rooms including a VIP couple’s suite equipped with a private jacuzzi and outdoor deck. It offers a variety of massages, facials and nail treatments as well as…
Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s leading carrier, recently announced the commencement of its six new weekly flights to Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, starting November 1. The new service will use the Boeing B787 Dreamliner. This new route will strengthen Ethiopia’s presence in South Asia, providing convenient connections between Bangladesh and key destinations across Africa and beyond. …
South African Airways intends to open routes from Johannesburg to Lubumbashi and Dar es Salaam in November, according to a media release issued on September 10. The airline also reports steady, sustainable growth three years after returning to the skies. Interim CEO, Professor John Lamola, said that between August 2022 and August 2024 the airline’s fleet…
The eastern black rhino population in Rwanda’s Akagera National Park has expanded with the arrival of five new rhinos from European zoos. This is the largest translocation of rhinos from Europe to Africa. The move is part of a major international collaboration overseen by Chester Zoo’s conservationists. Mark Pilgrim, Chester Zoo CEO, who manages the…
The coastal community of Bureh Town has unanimously agreed to a private sector management model for new tourism facilities at Bureh Beach. This decision, reached during a meeting organised by Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, is part of the Sierra Leone Economic Diversification Project (SLEDP). The SLEDP aims to enhance tourism in…
He takes the reins from Nicky Fitzgerald who will remain close to the business as a shareholder and board member. Wendover and his family are deeply embedded in Africa: his son grew up in Madagascar, daughter in Uganda and he and his wife have childhood roots in Africa. He believes the world’s wild spaces and neighbouring communities…
The strike at all major airports in Kenya has been called off. The strike severely disrupted international and domestic flights on Tuesday night, September 9, and Wednesday, September 10, The industrial action left passengers stranded and disrupted flights at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), Moi International Airport, Eldoret International Airport, and Kisumu International Airport. It…
We’re just days away from the APTA Global Forum in Costa Mesa, CA, and we’ve saved the best for last—six unforgettable African safari trips and additional fabulous prizes worth nearly $60,000 are up for grabs! With a more intimate event, your chances of winning one of these incredible prizes are exceptionally high! Each trip promises…
The Royal Livingstone Hotel by Anantara has launched two new dining experiences offering travellers the chance to enjoy Zambia’s natural beauty while sampling local flavours. The Gorge Picnic and Zambezi Dining Experience combine scenic locations with locally sourced cuisine. The Gorge Picnic is hosted at Bobo Camp – an area with limited access in the…
Revival of Akagera National Park in Rwanda as a tourist destination is a remarkable success story: the park experienced its best ever tourism year in 2023 when the protected area welcomed 54 000 visitors. Situated in eastern Rwanda, Akagera is one of 22 protected areas managed by conservation NGO African Parks in 12 countries. The NGO…
The village of Cape St Francis in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province is establishing a new calamari route to celebrate the formative role of seafood in the town’s economy. The calamari route will be officially launched on Saturday, September 21. It will include 14 local restaurants offering visitors and food enthusiasts the opportunity to enjoy…
Kenya Aviation Workers Union members strike in response to the “unlawful intended sale of JKIA” to Adani Airport Holdings of India. Hundreds of airline passengers found themselves stranded today at Kenya’s largest international airport due to a strike by aviation workers protesting a contentious agreement to lease the airport to India’s Adani Group. The Kenyan…
The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), introduced in the European Union (EU) in 2023, will have implications for small African travel companies with connections to the European market as the legislation forces greater transparency in reporting on sustainability practices of large companies and their value chains. The CSRD requires large and listed companies to report…
The Association for the Promotion of Tourism to Africa (APTA) is thrilled to announce the finalized list of participating suppliers for the highly anticipated APTA Global Forum, taking place from September 19-22, 2024, in beautiful Orange County, California. This year, we are proud to showcase an exceptional selection of suppliers representing a broad spectrum of…
Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) is implementing measures to address overcrowding at wildebeest migration viewing sites in Serengeti National Park. Massana Mwishawa, Deputy Conservation Commissioner, has announced plans to tackle issues such as reckless driving, overcrowding and entry delays, particularly at the busy Kogatende site. During peak seasons, the park can host up to 600 vehicles and…
Tintswalo Atlantic has converted its two-bedroom suite into two separate luxury mountain suites with views of the Atlantic Ocean. Situated along Cape Town’s Chapman’s Peak Drive within Table Mountain National Park, the two inter-leading suites are elevated above the water’s edge and can be booked together or separately. The Corsica suite, named after the French…
The Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company (TMACC) attracted many visitors on Monday morning, September 2, when the iconic site reopened after a seven-week maintenance period. Western Cape Premier Alan Winde said, the cableway, visited by over a million tourists every year, sold 7 000 tickets on Monday. “Last year, we broke all tourism records with tourists coming…
South African low-cost airline, FlySafair, has announced another regional route to its line-up – Cape Town to Windhoek. It’s the airline’s first regional route out of the Mother City, and the twice-weekly flights commence on October 22. They will run on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Kirby Gordon, Chief Marketing Officer of the airline said in a…
Green Safaris is a responsible tourism operator that runs a collection of lodges in Zambia and Malawi, including Likoma Island’s Kaya Mawa Lodge. Sustainability and support for conservation & communities are engrained in all that they do, so we’re excited to share their latest initiative – a cookbook! Recipes come from the chefs across the lodges,…
Idris Elba is on the move to take his greatest ambitions to Africa. The British actor plans to invest in the massive continent by developing an “eco-city” and “Zollywood” film studio. Afrotech reports the 51-year-old actor, whose father hails from Sierra Leone, wants to “house [his] ambitions” in his ancestral homeland. According to Elba, his aspirations can…
Ethiopian Airlines, will be operating NEWARK – ADDIS ABABA direct service from 02nd December 2024 with immediate connection to many of their destinations beyond Addis Ababa. The flight from JFK will be daily from 1st December 2024 with options via ABJ or LFW. Flights are updated in all GDS Free STPC at ADD for a…
For over four decades, the Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (TATO) has been at the forefront of Tanzania’s tourism industry, representing more than 300 dedicated members. TATO’s mission is to advocate for and support its diverse members, including safari and trekking specialists, DMCs, accommodation providers, airlines, cultural experts, and other tourism enterprises. As a proud…
Join APTA for the vibrant return of the APTA Global Forum to California, hosted this year in the scenic and culturally-rich Costa Mesa in Orange County. Known for its sophisticated arts scene and exquisite dining options, Costa Mesa offers a dynamic setting that complements the forum’s focus on the rich and diverse continent of Africa.…
Lemala Camps and Lodges is set to open its latest addition, Lemala Osonjoi Lodge, in the heart of Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Conservation Area in July 2025. Located on a hill near the Ngorongoro Crater rim, the lodge features 20 spacious guest suites – each with a king-size bed, en-suite bathroom and large picture windows. Amenities include…
Independent regional airline Airlink is proceeding with plans to launch direct Cape Town-Gaborone flights from April 1 next year. This follows confirmation by regulatory authorities in Botswana and South Africa that all of the necessary approvals are in place to allow Airlink to serve the route. “We appreciate both governments’ aeronautical regulatory bodies for resolving…
Park Hyatt Johannesburg is preparing for its grand opening in October. Owned by Millat Group, the 31-key hotel is ready to mark a significant milestone in South Africa’s hospitality landscape. Located in the heart of the trendy and vibrant suburb of Rosebank, the property aims to serve business and leisure travellers. Hamza Farooqui, CEO of…
Air Botswana has announced significant flight services expansion with the introduction of new routes to several destinations within Namibia and South Africa. The expansion is part of the airline’s strategic initiative to enhance connectivity across southern Africa, offering passengers more flexibility and convenience. In the announcement, CEO Lulu Rasebotsa highlighted the importance of the new routes in…
Visitors to Kumbali Country Lodge in Malawi will soon enjoy a new private game reserve currently sourcing and relocating animals in the final stages of establishment. Situated 10 minutes from Lilongwe city centre and 25 minutes from Kamuzu International Airport, Kumbali Country Lodge has 16 thatched suites and a conference centre. Earlier in August, the…
In September 2024, Arusha, Tanzania’s vibrant safari capital, will host a significant gathering of global dignitaries, celebrities, and industry experts for the World Tourism Day conference and the premiere East African indoor travel and tourism fair. Among the distinguished attendees will be the renowned American celebrity Michael Ruggiero, who is set to play a pivotal…
Effective October 1, 2024, it will be mandatory for all foreign visitors to Zanzibar to possess a valid Inbound Travel Insurance which will provide coverage for the duration of their stay (up to 92 days). The three-month scheme is expected to cost each visitor USD 44 and must be acquired ONLY from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation through a…
Uganda has announced the resumption of hiking activities to the Margherita Peak, the highest peak of the Rwenzori Mountains following months of suspension due to safety concerns. The suspension was announced in May by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), a state agency responsible for wildlife conservation, following the formation of a crevasse or deep open…
On 14th August, the World Health Organisation declared outbreaks of mpox in Africa to be a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. What is mpox? Mpox is a viral infection that was previously known as “monkeypox”. It shares some similarities with smallpox, to the extent that smallpox vaccine may be protective; however it is much less…
Mashatu in Botswana’s Northern Tuli Game Reserve is developing the Lala Limpopo sleepout hide due to launch in October. The exclusive overnight photography experience was established through a partnership with concessionaire C4 Photo Safaris and co-founded by Shem Compion, a professional photographer. The newly constructed hide has been strategically placed in the ground to seamlessly blend…
The NamibRand Nature Reserve in southwestern Namibia has been designated as Africa’s first Wilderness Quiet Park in recognition of its commitment to preserving the pristine environment and providing a quiet sanctuary for wildlife and visitors. Acknowledging the rapid extinction of quiet locations around the world, the honour is bestowed by Quiet Parks International to places…
Kenya Airways has announced a significant upgrade to its fleet on key routes between Nairobi and South Africa from this month. A number of its Johannesburg and Cape Town services have been upgraded to the Boeing 787 Dreamliner to enhance connectivity between the two countries. The airline currently flies from Cape Town to Nairobi nine…
Lifestyle and leisure hospitality group, Ennismore, and Kasada, an independent real estate private equity platform, have signed an agreement to open the Hyde Hotel Johannesburg. The opening marks a series of significant milestones: Ennismore’s first hotel in Johannesburg, the first Hyde hotel in Africa and Kasada’s first investment in Johannesburg although its fourth in South…
Ethiopian Airlines has signed a contract with a Dubai-based engineering and consulting company, Dar Al-Handasah, to design Africa’s largest airport – aiming to manage up to 110 million passengers per year – four times the capacity of Bole Addis Ababa International Airport. According to Ethiopian Airlines Regional Manager for Southern Africa Abel Yifru, the airport will be…
Airlink has withdrawn sales for its direct Cape Town-Gaborone flights after the Botswana Civil Aviation Authority (CAAB) informed the airline that it had not been granted authorisation to operate the route. The CAAB has also instructed Airlink to remove all advertisements of the new service, which was due to start on April 1 next year,…