To celebrate its 40th birthday, Protea Hotels by Marriott has announced the opening of two new properties, including its first in Angola. The Protea by Marriott Luanda is situated between the Luanda CBD and Talatona, with easy access to a range of businesses and private event destinations. The 84 guest rooms and suites are decorated in…
The Sun City Hotel will undergo a complete upgrade of all 340 rooms, bedroom corridors, bedroom terraces and the Sun Terrace beginning in August. The refurbishment, which will be carried out in phases, is set to be completed in November 2026. The first 67 renovated rooms will be ready by the end of November, just…
Qatar Airways is expanding its operations in Africa with an increase in flight frequency to Entebbe, Uganda by an additional three flights a week to meet summer demand. From August 1 to September 30, the carrier moves from a daily service to operate 11 weekly flights between Doha and Entebbe. The increased flight frequency comes…
Tanzanian hospitality operator TAASA Luxury Lodges & Camps has announced the launch of a new family-friendly mobile tented camp in the Serengeti, due to open in July 2025. Designed as a complement to its existing flagship TAASA Lodge in the Great Migration circuit of Northern Tanzania, TAASA Migration Camp will relocate throughout the year to…
Kenya’s Tourism and Wildlife Ministry has called on visitors to continue with their travel plans to the country during the July to September high season, asserting that the tourism sector has been unaffected by recent public protests. The ministry’s Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua led a high-profile meeting with key industry stakeholders at the start of the month…
Kristy Angellotti has been appointed as Singita’s Country Manager for North America, effective from July 1. Kristy will lead the US-based sales team, collaborating closely with Jessie Tate and Rachel McGuire. She brings 14 years of experience in the travel and tourism industry, specializing in sales, marketing, and event and project management for travel trade…
Several SA airlines received praise at the recent 2024 Skytrax World Airline Awards event. Two South African airlines topped the charts in categories specifically for the African continent. SKYTRAX WORLD AIRLINE AWARDS The Skytrax World Airline Awards began in 1999. It is based on customer satisfaction surveys in terms of which airlines they consider to…
The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA)has introduced a new online booking system for tour operators marking a drastic improvement in the delivery and management of their reservations and booking systems for gorilla bookings and other pristine attractions and wildlife in the protected areas. This reflects the UWA’s commitment as a leader in championing sustainability through the…
Premium lodge collective Singita has added an exclusive-use five-bedroomed villa, Singita Milele, to its offerings in the Serengeti. Situated on the top of Sasakwa Hill, in the national park’s Grumeti Reserve, the residence features individually designed suites, named Journey, Pride, Coalition, Dazzle and Crash, paying tribute to the Serengeti’s iconic wildlife, namely giraffe, lion, cheetah, zebra…
Peace has returned to Kenya. This after Kenyan President, William Ruto, pulled the controversial Finance Bill 2024/2025 this evening (June 26) following widespread protests. The Bill, published earlier this month, sought to raise US$ 2.7 billion in additional taxes to reduce the budget deficit and state borrowing. This Bill impacted a number of business sectors in…
Desert and Delta Safaris has launched the Tsodilo Hills Sleep-Out Camp in Botswana, an exclusive overnight expedition from Nxamaseri Island Lodge, offering access to one of the world’s most undiscovered Unesco World Heritage Sites, Tsodilo Hills. The camp features eco-friendly pods inspired by traditional nomadic Bushman dwellings, providing an immersive experience in the region’s cultural…
Industry players have hailed Ethiopian Airlines’ new flight linking East Africa (Addis Ababa) to Maun, Botswana – location of prime tourism hotspot, the Okavango Delta – as a ‘game changer’ for tourism in the country. The airline has commenced three times weekly services to Maun, its second destination in Botswana. Gaborone was the first. Miriam Tichapondwa, Wilderness Botswana…
Uganda’s government has signed an MoU with the United Arab Emirates for the construction of an international airport to boost tourism to the underappreciated Kidepo Valley National Park in the northeast of the country. Signed on Thursday, June 20, the agreement comes after talks between the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) and Ugandan…
Air France will inaugurate a thrice-weekly route from Paris-Charles de Gaulle to Tanzania’s Kilimanjaro International Airport, as an extension of the Zanzibar flight, from November 18. The additional destination is among the first new additions to the airline’s 2024-2025 winter schedule, and forms part of its long-haul network diversification strategy. The route will operate on…
The African Travel and Tourism Association (ATTA) has appointed James Haigh as its new Chair, effective October 1. A leading figure in the African tourism industry, Haigh brings over 15 years of extensive experience across Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, South Africa, and beyond, from Morocco to the Seychelles and São Tomé and Príncipe. Half day Gauteng easy e-Bike…
Africa Showcase extends an invitation to join them in LOS ANGELES (14 Nov), CHICAGO (18 Nov) or TORONTO (20 Nov) for a program that emphasizes business growth, market insights, and the solidification of partnerships. This event caters to both seasoned Africa travel specialists and top-producing agents poised to introduce or expand your Africa portfolio. We…
Tour operator, Nomad Tanzania, has introduced star beds at its Kigelia camp. Every room at Kigelia now features a hand-crafted star bed, offering guests a unique and immersive experience under the African night sky. Elevated platforms provide a new perspective on the wildlife below, enhancing the safari experience. Kigelia comprises six tented accommodations, including a…
Imagine being able to board a train from Spain to Morocco, and travel efficiently—and sustainably—between Europe and Africa in under six hours. Thanks to a historic rail tunnel project currently being considered by the two countries’ transportation ministries, the first-ever rail link between the two continents could become a reality in just a few years. Undersea tunnels connecting…
Emirates will launch flights to Madagascar from 3 September 2024, offering more choice and connectivity for travellers, and driving inbound leisure and business travel to the country. The four-weekly flights between Dubai (DXB) and Antananarivo (TNR), will operate via a linked service with the Seychelles. Boosting international travel to and from Madagascar, the flight times…
Tiffindell, South Africa’s only ski resort, has closed shop and is now for sale. The resort in southern Drakensberg, in the Eastern Cape, is one of only two ski resorts in Southern Africa, along with Afriski Mountains Resort in Lesotho. According to the Tiffindell website and Chris Stevens, an avid supporter of Tiffindell and CEO of…
“They never had a pretty girl from Joburg, see me now and that’s what they prefer,” South African music sensation Tyla sings on her new track, Jump. The music video for the song, featuring scenes from Johannesburg’s townships, streets and nightclubs has been viewed more than seven million times on YouTube since it was launched about two…
Join us in celebrating the revival of the PNW APTA Chapter with a spectacular launch event! Meet and learn from distinguished Kenya suppliers representing top hotels, camps, lodges, and tour operators in Kenya. Gain valuable insights from experienced and local DMCs, marketing agencies, and travel agencies on how to successfully promote Africa as a premier…
Volcanoes Safaris, the pioneer of gorilla and chimpanzee ecotourism in Uganda and Rwanda since 1997, will open Kibale Lodge in Uganda on July 1, its fifth lodge in Africa. Situated a 30-minute drive from Kibale Forest, the lodge sits on a ridge with views of the Rwenzori Mountains looking towards the west, and the Queen Elizabeth National…
Southern African hotel group Dream Hotels & Resorts will relaunch its Blue Marlin Hotel on KwaZulu Natal’s South Coast as an all-inclusive establishment following a sweeping refurbishment, just in time for the country’s spring season in September. The Blue Marlin All-Inclusive Seascape will offer an upgraded pool area and modernised facilities, along with an array of…
In the run-up to World Female Ranger Day on June 23, Intrepid Travel, the world’s largest adventure travel company and a leader in responsible tourism, is putting the spotlight on its ongoing partnership with the Black Mambas, South Africa’s renowned all-female anti-poaching unit. This collaboration is a testament to the power of women in conservation…
Namibia could soon see its top tourism source markets removed from its visa exemption list, due to the countries “not reciprocating the favourable treatment granted to their nationals when visiting Namibia”. In a statement on May 24, the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security, said Namibia’s Cabinet had granted authorisation for the introduction…
The Pacific North West (PNW) APTA Chapter is back, and a chapter board is in place and ready for their launch event scheduled for June 18th 2024. The Chapter will cover the entire PNW region of Washington and Oregon States with Seattle as the Headquarters. The board has been involved in setting up and aligning the…
Marking its 30th anniversary, the African Travel and Tourism Association (ATTA®) announced the launch of the ATTA® for Action Awards. This new programme aims to recognise and celebrate organisations and companies across Africa making significant strides in impactful tourism practices. The launch of the ATTA® for Action Awards comes at a crucial time when the…
Emirates will resume services to Nigeria from 1 October 2024, operating a daily service between Lagos and Dubai, and offering customers more choice and connectivity from Nigeria’s largest city to, and through, Dubai. The service will be operated using a Boeing 777-300ER. EK783 will depart Dubai at 0945hrs, arriving in Lagos at 1520hrs; the return…
The Malawi Airlines says it is introducing new flights to three countries namely Mozambique, Rwanda and Uganda. The company says the new routes are a sign of growth for the Airline. Marketing Manager for the Airline, Only Taulo, told reporters that fares for the Airline were quite affordable. “Soon we will start operating to Kigali,…
Africa’s newest meetings-driven event uniting serious international buyers and exhibitors from across the continent has announced a change in dates addressing the coinciding dates of Essence of Africa and Magical Kenya Travel Expo (MKTE). Essence of Africa will now take place from 2-4 December 2024 at the Sarit Centre in Nairobi, Kenya. The decision to…
Loirien Mara is thrilled to announce the opening of a new landmark destination in the heart of the Maasai Mara, the Loirien Mara Villas, debuting in the summer of 2024. As a travel professional committed to offering unique and luxurious experiences, we invite you to join an exclusive webinar unveiling the unparalleled splendor of Loirien…
This year’s Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo (POATE) will bring together private- and public-sector stakeholders in the Ugandan ecosystem with the aim of positioning Uganda as a preferred destination in the domestic, regional, and international source markets. POATE 2024 will be hosted as a B2B and B2C exposition and will take place at the Speke…
US carrier Delta Air Lines has announced the upgrade of aircraft used on flights between Atlanta and Johannesburg and Cape Town, to cater for increased demand for premium services from US travellers. The airline will upgrade its flights to a higher-premium configuration Airbus 35H A350-900, effective from June 20 for Johannesburg and from September 9…
Mauritius is expected to welcome 1.5 million tourists in 2024, surpassing the historic peak of 1.4m arrivals recorded in 2018, according to analytics firm BMI, a division of Fitch Solutions. Arrivals to the Indian Ocean island destination reached 1.3m in 2023, with this number expected to grow by 14% this year and to continue on…
Virgin Limited Edition has added Finch Hattons Luxury Safari Camp in Kenya to its collection of retreats worldwide, effective from July 1. Situated within Tsavo West National Park, the camp offers 17 luxurious tented suites. It is Virgin Limited Edition’s ninth property and its fifth presence in Africa. With Mahali Mzuri, it is Virgin’s second…
Namibia’s Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security has officially launched visas on arrival at the Oshikango, Mohembo, Oranjemund, Ariamsvlei, and Noordoewer border posts. The country has also introduced a new visa-on-arrival programme at Walvis Bay Harbour in an effort to improve cruise tourism. Previously, visas on arrival were only possible at Hosea Kutako International Airport,…
Through the Kenya Metrological Department (KMD) warning on continuous heavy downpour experienced in various parts of Kenya, the Kenya Tourism Federation Safety and Communication Centre has been on alert monitoring the situations around the country and advising accordingly. The heavy rainfall has led to flooding, landslides and overflowing of rivers resulting in loss of lives,…
Today, the Association for the Promotion of Tourism to Africa (APTA) announces the departure of Cheryle Velsor from her position as Executive Director. Cheryle has led APTA with distinction and dedication, extending her term beyond its expiration to support the association through the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. As she transitions into semi-retirement to focus…
The government has ordered evacuations after heavy rains flooded lodges and camps in the Maasai Mara, a popular world tourist destination, after the Telek River burst its banks, stranding tourists. In a statement on Wednesday, May 1, Tourism Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua ordered all hotels and camps adjacent to rivers within national parks and reserves…
Auric Air Services, a safari airline connecting destinations across East Africa, has entered into a memorandum of understanding with American electric aviation company Surf Air Mobility, to upgrade up to 12 of Auric Air’s Cessna Grand Caravans with Surf Air’s proprietary electrified powertrain technology once certified. Surf Air now has approximately 13% of the Cessna…
Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest network operating carrier, will launch a new four-times-weekly passenger service to Warsaw via Athens, starting June 16, expanding the airline’s European destinations to 24. Flight ET 764 will depart from Addis Ababa on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Return flight ET 765 will depart from Warsaw on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and…
The Lake of Stars Malawi Arts Festival, a cultural celebration, is set to return this year, marking its 20th anniversary. The internationally renowned festival will take place along the beaches of Lake Malawi at Fish Eagle Bay Lodge from September 6-8. It will feature some of the best and most diverse artists from Malawi and around…
Spier Wine Farm in Stellenbosch has begun an extensive refurbishment of its hotel. With significant refurbishments planned from mid-March, and reopening in 2025, Spier’s hotel will offer curated experiences on this historic working wine farm and an even more purposeful approach to food, wine, and wellness. “Our farm and hotel will be an immersive place…
Thabo the Tourist, who wants to ensure that South Africa is well known for art tourism in real-time, is inviting travellers to join an exclusive art experience on Saturday, May 25. The experience is an art tour that starts at 10h00 in Rosebank. Guests will have an opportunity to ride on the iconic Red Bus to have a…
Ethiopian Airlines unveiled its new terminal and support facility buildings at Jinka Airport last week. The new state-of-the-art airport terminal is now open for service, following a grand celebration in Jinka, one of the emerging cities in the South Ethiopia Regional State. The two-and-a-half-year project covered the construction of a new terminal building having a…
Radisson Hotel Group brings its well-known brand to South Africa’s Mother City with the rebranding of Park Inn Cape Town Foreshore to Radisson Hotel Cape Town Foreshore. Strategically located just minutes away from the International Convention Centre (CTICC) and the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Radisson Hotel Cape Town Foreshore marks the Group’s third Radisson property…
In anticipation of the upcoming peak tourism season, Proflight Zambia has announced its annual scheduled flights to the Kafue National Park beginning June 1, 2024. The flights offer ease of access and connectivity to one of Africa’s largest parks for both local and international travellers. Through Procharter, the airline will connect Lusaka, and Chunga in…
Wild Horizons is currently constructing Waterfalls Lodge, a new luxury retreat set to open its doors in June next year. Jessica White, Wild Horizons Sales and Marketing Manager, said: “We offer 60 rooms, with 16 interconnected to create 8 family suites. Each suite boasts a bath, while all rooms feature an ensuite shower, tea/coffee station,…
TUI Group’s hotel division, TUI Hotels & Resorts, said on Tuesday it planned to expand its presence in sub-Saharan Africa, a region with significant tourism potential. The move comes after years of concentrating on North Africa, where TUI boasts a portfolio of 76 hotels. The new push southwards includes eight new hotels planned for Cape Verde,…