Samara Karoo Reserve, near Graaff-Reinet in the Eastern Cape’s Great Karoo region, has opened the doors of its re-imagined Karoo Lodge. Closed for seven months for extensive renovations, Samara’s flagship lodge, a restored farmhouse, re-opened just ahead of the festive season. “The redesign pays homage to this special region we call home. A great deal of…
The Malawian government has lifted the visa requirement for travelers from China, the United States (US), and the United Kingdom (UK), among several other countries, to boost tourism, one of the country’s key foreign exchange-earners. The development follows the amendment of a section in the country’s Immigration Act to aid the entry of international visitors…
Voaara, a new luxury barefoot resort, will open on the island of Sainte-Marie (also known as Nosy Boraha) off the northeast coast of Madagascar in March. Initially, the resort – which has been extensively renovated – will open with eight luxurious bungalows and a three-bedroom villa. The property will ultimately host 45 rooms, with construction…
Lemala Camps and Lodges, a provider of safari accommodation in Tanzania and Uganda, has added Lemala Osonjoi Lodge to its portfolio. It will welcome its first guests from March 1, 2025. The lodge is situated on the edge of the Ngorongoro Crater and will offer guests an immersive experience. It is designed to seamlessly integrate…
Radisson Safari Hotel Hoedspruit, the hotel group’s first safari hotel in Africa, has partnered with Nkombe Rhino and My Africa Adventures to support a conservation project aimed at preserving rhinos in the Greater Kruger region. Nkombe Rhino is a non-profit organisation dedicated to the preservation of the endangered species, and My Africa Adventures is one of the leading…
Ethiopian Airlines will commence a triangular route connecting Addis Ababa, Ndola, and Maun from June 10. The flight will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays using a Boeing 738-MAX. Flight ET 0833 will depart Addis Ababa at 08h30, arriving in Maun at 12h40. The return flight departs from Maun at 13h30, arriving in Ndola at…
Kumbali Country Lodge has opened Kumbali Conference Centre, about a 10-minute drive from Malawi’s capital Lilongwe. The versatile venue has been designed for conferences, planning meetings, and team-building events. Its environmentally friendly interiors are crafted from locally sourced materials. The conference centre has two halls: Mibawa, which has a capacity of 80 participants; and Kachere, which can hold 120…
Emerging Destinations, a leader in the travel industry, is thrilled to announce the newest addition to their team, Paula Newton, an esteemed veteran in the field. Paula will be joining in January, bringing with her a wealth of experience in travel industry sales, promotions, sponsorships, and media relations. A Trailblazer in the Travel Industry Paula…
FlySafair has announced a new route direct route between Cape Town International Airport (CTIA) and Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA), starting April 2. It’s an exciting piece of news for the travel industry, and will make travel between the Mother City and the Kruger National Park much easier – KMIA lies just outside the park.…
African Vision launch Pedal Power cycling tour of Malawi Thursday, 25 January 2024 African Vision Malawi, a UK charity that support Malawians to become self-sufficient by providing vocational and life skills training, are running a cycling tour of Central and Southern Malawi, exploring beautiful landscapes and discovering the charity’s programmes along the…
The Uganda Wildlife authority has announced an increase in permit fees for primate trekking experiences in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga National Park, Kibale forest National Park, and Queen Elizabeth National Park, effective from 1st July 2024. For non-resident visitors, the gorilla trekking permit fee will increase from $700 to $800. Chimpanzee permits in Kibale Forest National Park…
Wednesday February 7th at 1pm Eastern Register Here: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3805252950047952734 “Tourism Without Boundaries” in the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA TFCA). Come and find out more about the expansive Kavango Zambezi (KAZA) Trans-frontier Conservation Area (TFCA), the world’s largest terrestrial TFCA at approximately 520,000 km². Occupying part of the Okavango and Zambezi river basins, it…
Air Mauritius is on a growth and restoration path this year. This was revealed during a cocktail function hosted on Monday evening by Air Mauritius (MK) at the Octo Bar at The Leonardo in Sandton, members of the travel trade were treated to a night of networking and exclusive insights into what’s on the cards…
An innovative new meetings-driven tourism event aimed at facilitating meaningful interactions between buyers and sellers across Africa’s vibrant tourism industry is being launched by On Show Solutions and Experience Africa Events, the ATTA events division. As the leading global organiser of high-impact tourism trade events, we recognise the immense potential of the African travel market.…
ZIMBABWE’s tourism industry is expected to surge by 6.9% in 2024, driven by rebounding interest from international tourists and improved accessibility made possible by infrastructure investments. The latest official tourism statistics for the country, covering January to September 2023, show a 52% increase in tourist arrivals compared with the same period in 2022, as numbers…
Waldorf Astoria Hotels and Resorts, a luxury hotel and resort brand under Hilton Hotels, will open bookings for its luxury resort on Platte Island in the Seychelles from the end of the month. This is the first Waldorf Astoria to make the Seychelles its home and the fifth destination in Hilton’s Seychelles portfolio. With a…
Villa Martins on Inhaca Island, Mozambique, officially opened its doors to guests in December. Located at the southernmost tip of the island, Villa Martins is a brief ten-minute boat journey from the Machangulo Peninsula and Santa Maria. Inhaca Island is approximately 34km east of Maputo. Part of the Inhaca District, the island is relatively compact,…
The Rwandan government has extended the promotion for the reduced gorilla trekking fees in the Volcanoes National Park for Rwandans, East African nationals, foreign residents in Rwanda, all African residents and all foreigners residing in Africa. This extended reduction is in place for the year to December 31. The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) noted that this…
In May, Wild Expeditions Africa will open its newest tented camp, Karangoma, in the secluded northeastern corner of the Okavango Delta. The camp will features six Meru tents, including a family tent, with five strategically positioned to maximise panoramic views of the floodplain. Each tent will comprise an open bedroom and lounge with floor-to-ceiling gauze facing…
Dawie Mullins officially assumed the role of Director of Global Sales for Africa at Minor Hotels on January 1. The promotion marks a pivotal moment in Mullins’ career, underscoring his wealth of experience and expertise in the field. Mullins embarked on his journey in hospitality in 2005, following the completion of a three-year diploma at Tshwane…
Safarilink and Yellow Wings are aiming to potentially transform regional aviation within Kenya and East Africa by demonstrating the viability and impact that electrified Cessna Caravans will have on the industry. Safarilink, an airline connecting domestic scheduled flights to destinations within Kenya and Tanzania, and Yellow Wings Air Services, a Kenyan air operator that serves…
The Sustainable Seychelles brand aims to elevate sustainability in Seychelles to unprecedented heights, with a shared goal of preserving the destination for future generations. With a focus on harmony and shared responsibility, the brand seeks to offer a thorough road map for implementing and advancing sustainable practices throughout the travel and tourism sector and adjacent…
In recent developments, Kenya has introduced the Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) system, touted as a move towards a visa-free entry process. However, this has led to significant confusion and a lack of clarity, casting doubt on the true nature of the ‘visa-free’ claim. The eTA system was rolled out following Kenya’s announcement of abolishing traditional…
According to a report by the Tanzanian newspaper, The Citizen, Zanzibar’s intention of establishing a seven-star hotel was revealed by Sharif Ali Sharif, the executive director of Zanzibar Investment Authority (ZIPA). He made the announcement at the ceremony of a different resort in North Unguja on Saturday, January 6th. “We have many exciting developments on the…
Southern African hospitality management group, Cresta Hotels, has added a new wing, with 60 new rooms, to the Mahalapye Cresta Hotel. The property is strategically located along the A1 highway, about 180 kilometres from Gaborone. The new South Wing complements the existing North Wing and brings the total room count to 124. It includes 55…
The second UNWTO Regional Conference on Brand Africa under the theme ‘Promoting Africa to unlock the tourism sector’s growth potential’ will be held in Livingstone, Zambia, from April 16-18. The conference is open to UNWTO Member States, UNWTO Affiliate Members, and invited delegations, tourism professionals and technical experts, representatives of funding institutions and financial services, and…
Bird enthusiasts will be excited to know that the South African endemic Knysna Warbler, thought to be locally extinct in Cape Town, has recently been rediscovered. The Knysna Warbler (Bradypterus sylvaticus) is a small bird that inhabits dense tangles and thickets in or on the edge of forests. It is extremely secretive as it creeps…
After months of extensive renovations of what was previously an old wine cellar, La Petite Ferme’s five all-new luxury Winery Suites opened in December. Nestled on the slopes of the Franschhoek Mountains in the Cape Winelands, with views over the valley, the luxury boutique hotel’s renovations, décor and finishings were individually selected and customised for…
Happy New Year 2024! As we step into this promising year, it’s inspiring to look back at the remarkable journey we’ve traveled, especially since the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our resilience and united spirit have been pivotal in revitalizing and strengthening the tourism sector. 2024 stands before us, brimming with promise and potential,…
African countries are seeing a surge in international travel, fueled by luxury safari experiences with repeat visitors. Returning travelers remain excited by the continent’s iconic wildlife. However, they want to mix up their experiences beyond spotting game from the back of a Jeep. We spoke to a half-dozen operators of multi-day safari tours and safari…
Hyatt Hotels Corp. has grown the presence of its Park Hyatt brand in Africa with opening of the Park Hyatt Marrakech. The hotel also marks the brand’s introduction in Morocco. Located around 15 kilometers from the Medina district in Marrakech, Park Hyatt Marrakech spans 19 acres and sits adjacent to the Al Maaden Golf Resort,…
LUANDA – Effective December 11th, 2023, TAAG Angola Airlines adds more frequencies to Namibia (Windhoek), Republic of Congo (Point Noire), Island of São Tomé (São Tomé) and Mozambique (Maputo) from its hub in Luanda, Angola. Network update: Windhoek (WDH): Increased to daily frequencies. Pointe-Noire (PNR): Increased to 2 weekly frequencies every Mondays and Fridays. Island of São…
LAM’s inaugural flight from Maputo landed in Cape Town on Tuesday, which the airline says is part of its strategy to be a “strong competitor in the region”. LAM has undergone a recent restructuring process and is currently expanding its routes and connections. Also launching on Tuesday was its Maputo-Lisbon flight, the first of a…
Tourism in Tunisia recorded a clear rebound in 2023 with 8.8 million visitors, up 49.3% in one year, and is well on the way to surpassing a record reached in 2019, before the Covid pandemic, a Tourism Ministry official told AFP on Thursday. “Our objective was to recover 80% of the tourist flows recorded in…
In the heart of East Africa, Ethiopia unfurls a mosaic of marvels recently thrust into the limelight by UNESCO’s accolades, signaling a tourism renaissance. From the towering majesty of the Bale Mountains to the serene retreats of Lepis Eco Tourism Village, the nation’s canvas is rich with the strokes of history and the vibrant hues…
The hospitality industry in Africa is experiencing a shift towards sustainability, driven by a growing awareness of environmental conservation and responsible tourism. Countries in Africa are investing more in sustainable hospitality practices to preserve their natural resources and attract conscientious travelers. This shift is not only beneficial for the environment but also for the long-term…
Statistics South Africa’s recent release of international arrival figures for January to November 2023, shows the South African tourism sector’s rising momentum. International tourist arrivals totalled 7.6 million representing a remarkable 51.8% increase when compared with same period in 2022. While recovery towards pre-Covid-19 numbers is encouraging, this performance is 17.6% lower compared to the…
Egypt’s sovereign wealth fund has signed an $800 million deal to sell a stake in seven prominent hotels to Egypt’s Talaat Moustafa Group (TMG) in its drive to raise funds and foreign currency, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said on Wednesday. Revenues from selling stakes in state assets have reached $5.6 billion so far, said Madbouly,…
Radisson Hotel Group is proud to announce the opening of Radisson Safari Hotel Hoedspruit, its first Safari hotel in Africa and 11th hotel in South Africa. Tucked between two renowned nature reserves, Kruger National Park and Blyde River Canyon, the hotel is located 2km outside of Hoedspruit in the heart of the grasslands in the Limpopo province…
Following one of the closest elections in the history of the Association for the Promotion of Tourism to Africa, we are both excited and proud to announce the addition of two new members to our Executive Board. This election showcased the passionate involvement of our community, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to each of…
South African Airways (SAA) is planning to grow its fleet to around 40 aircraft in the coming years as part of its efforts to become re-established as the country’s primary international airline. The carrier is trying to secure more short- and long-haul aircraft in the short term to be able to grow in both African…
After hosting its recent megafam experience for 65 members of the travel trade and press from around the world, it’s clear that the Seychelles islands have the potential to attract a significant number of tourists in 2024 – and this is supported by the numbers. In 2019, 384 204 arrivals to the island destination were…
Arguably one of the world’s most exciting travel experiences awaits in the tropical rainforests of Central and East Africa– the chance to encounter the majestic mountain gorillas. These amazing creatures, living in the dense jungles of Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Uganda, represent a beacon of hope and a testament to the success…
For more than two decades, Egyptians have been waiting for the world’s largest archaeological museum, the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), to open and showcase more than 100,000 of the country’s ancient treasures. Egypt’s tourism minister told CNN recently that the $1 billion project is nearly ready to open in the coming months despite regional tensions. As a…
The sixth International Tourism Film Festival Africa (ITFFA) will be hosted by the City of Cape Town and will take place at the Cape Town City Hall from May 28 until June 1. Since the inaugural event in 2019 there have been over 3 400 entries from 97 countries, making it clear that there is…
The Southern Africa Tourism Services Association (SATSA), in partnership with eSimplified.io, has announced the launch of a revolutionary eSIM technology. This innovative solution is set to transform the way travellers and businesses connect while on the move. The new eSIM technology provides a seamless and cost-effective data solution for both inbound and outbound travellers to South Africa. Eliminating…
Arusha, December 5th, 2023 — The Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (TATO) extends its deepest condolences to the families affected by the tragic mudslides in Hanang, Katesh. Our hearts go out to those who have lost their loved ones, and we stand in solidarity with the communities grappling with the aftermath of this natural catastrophe.…
Kenya has announced that it will abolish visa requirements for all global visitors beginning January 2024. This decision, announced by President William Ruto, is rooted in the country’s commitment to embracing globalization and opening its borders to drive socio-economic development. “Beginning January 2024, Kenya will be a visa-free country. It shall no longer be necessary…
Luxury tented camp, Dancing Duma, has recently opened in the Serengeti. Ten guest tents comprise eight deluxe tents, a family tent, and a honeymoon suite. The family tent has two bedrooms and bathrooms, divided by a central lounge area. Each tent has indoor and outdoor showers, and netted windows offer 360-degree views of the surroundings.…
Glee Hotel, a new 211-room five-star hotel in Nairobi, will open in the first quarter of next year. Guest rooms will be categorised as Deluxe, Executive, and Presidential Suite. The Deluxe rooms will offer a king bed (convertible to twin beds), a bathtub and shower, and views of the garden or swimming pool. The Executive…