It is with great sadness that the APTA community has learned of the passing of Steve Fitzgerald. He was well known, greatly respected, and much loved throughout our industry – first as founder of Halcyon Hotels, then managing director and CEO of CCAfrica (later &Beyond) for 15 years. Most recently, he and wife Nicky built and managed Angama Mara in…
We’ve listened to your feedback and taken action. Our Elewana Information Manual has been updated and is now fully digital! The link below will direct you to the Information Manual, where you will find important details, facts and figures pertaining to each of the Elewana properties, The Land and Life Foundation and SkySafari. To keep…
The little-known Akagera National Park hugs Rwanda’s eastern borders a three-hour drive from the capital Kigali. Ruzizi is just 30 minutes inside the gates of the park. The Big Five – lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino, and elephant – can all be found here thanks to the efforts of the lodge owners, the non-profit conservation organization…
Tanzania’s Vice President, Ms Samia Suluhu Hassan has inaugurated a state-of-the-art museum at the Olduvai Gorge. Speaking during the ceremony, Ms Hassan said she was optimistic that the museum would help increase the number of tourists and researchers visiting the country. “Olduvai Gorge is where the history of a human being can be traced, so I…
As the world marked the United Nations designated World Tourism Day on Wednesday, many Africans took advantage of the day to show the world the side of Africa never seen before. Individuals and state institutions alike flooded Twitter with such pictures using the hashtag #WoorldTourismDay to besides educating the world of the numerous sites in…
It is business as usual. The trips to Robben Island are continuing. On Friday 15 September 2017, Thandi, one of Robben Island Museum’s (RIM) chartered passenger ferries, experienced trouble during its return trip to Cape Town. Once Port Control received the distress call from the ferry, Port Control immediately implemented emergency procedures, along with notifying the…
Virtuoso recently honored its top destination, cruise, lifestyle, member and advisor partners at Virtuoso Travel Week in Las Vegas, drawing a record-breaking 5,760 travel professionals from 103 countries. The event also saw the debut of Virtuoso’s inaugural Community Globetrotting event, focusing on adventure travel, cruising, wellness, and – for the first time this year –…
Due to a shortage of stickers, KAZA Univisas have once a again been suspended temporarily from Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula International Airport (Livingstone), Victoria Falls border post (the bridge border on the Zambian side), and Kazungula Border Post (Zambian side from Botswana), and there is speculation that supplies are low on the Zimbabwean side of border…
Follow David DiGregorio as he goes on a Safari in Kenya with his family. This article is a must read for anyone who has been curious about taking their kids on a Safari. David gives you full insight into everything you need to know before and during your trip with your kids. Filled with insider…
NYC & Company has signed a deal with Cape Town Tourism that will see the two cities market each other as tourist destinations. It is the first accord NYC & Company has signed with a destination marketing body on the African continent. Sixty million tourists visit New York City annually, while the Mother City welcomes five…
Azura Quilalea is a private, uninhabited island in the Quirimbas Archipelago, surrounded by the pristine waters of a marine sanctuary – a paradise for lovers of marine life, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Access: SA Airlink offers 5 weekly flights from Johannesburg to Pemba International Airport, and LAM offers twice weekly flights from Nairobi and 3x…
This week The Southern Africa Tourism Services Association (SATSA) is hosting a conference titled “Transforming for Inclusive Growth” in Stellenbosch, South Africa. In light of a panel discussion that will take place on animal interactions during the conference, several leading wildlife groups – Blood Lions™, Humane Society International, Humane Society International/Africa and Wildlands – have…
Malawi may be a small, landlocked country but it is blessed with Lake Malawi, Africa’s third largest, stretching more than 570km down the country and comprising its borders with Tanzania and Mozambique. The lake, said to have 700 different kinds of fish, not only provides food and a living for the hundreds of thousands along…
Arusha is the biggest city in northern Tanzania and can be found at the foot of Mount Meru. Arusha is often regarded simply as the starting point for safaris or trekking tours. If that’s all you know about this stunning town then we suggest you read further because you probably missing out on some amazing experiences because the city offers much…
August 23, 2017 6-9pm, with remarks to begin at 6:30pm. NYC & Company President and CEO Fred Dixon and Cape Town Tourism CEO Enver Duminy invite you to a press conference and reception in New York City, where the organizations will join together to make a significant tourism announcement. Cesar Kitchen 50 West 23rd Street…
2017 marks important landmarks for mountain gorilla conservation and tourism. 50 years ago in In 1967, Dr. Dian Fossey set up the Karisoke Research Center high up in the Virunga volcanoes, the first permanent mountain gorilla research center. Karisoke continues to be the leading center for gorilla protection and research with 100-plus field staff who work to protect…
From world-renowned designers Silvio Rech and Lesley Carstens, the disparate destinations span from a remote part of the Indian Ocean to a national park in Zambia. Whether the experience involves waking up surrounded by the open plain or the ocean, both properties have been designed to perfectly fit their location. This is something that Rech and…
Ahead of the launch of their new premium ship in southern Africa, CroisiEurope is offering travel agents a chance to win a trip on the soon-to-be-unveiled RV African Dream. Members of the Mon Ami Club, CroisiEurope’s travel agent loyalty program, who close sales for three cabins or six passengers on one of the upcoming southern Africa itineraries will be entered…
Fez, Morocco’s cultural and spiritual capital, may have lagged behind Marrakech when it comes to stylish riads and sophisticated restaurants, but a subtle transformation is under way along its medieval alleyways. Ancient buildings are being restored, designers are breathing new life into age-old crafts and chefs are opening exciting restaurants. And it’s easier to reach…
Elewana has completed a refurbishment of the spa and pool at the Arusha Coffee Lodge in Tanzania and introduced a new coffee treatment using beans from the surrounding plantation. The Peaberries Spa is located in the gardens of the Arusha Coffee Lodge, next to the pool, surrounded by the natural elements of the coffee plantation. The new speciality coffee treatment…
The Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa in Johannesburg and Shambala Private Game Reserve in the Waterberg, comprising of Zulu Camp and Nelson Mandela Villa, has announced the launch of their newly redesigned websites, www.saxon.co.za and www.shambalaprivategamereserve.co.za, offering users an improved and innovative design concept in conjunction with an easy-to-use booking process, and seamless integration of…
South Africa’s Garden Route had been included on a list of global biosphere reserves, said the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco). Unesco members voted in favour of the inclusion of the Garden Route as a biosphere reserve at a meeting in Paris, France, on 14 June 2017. Read More
Flydubai will have 6 flights every week to Kilimanjaro. 3 of these flights will have one stop at Dar es Salaam. In addition, the Dubai based airline will increase direct flights to Zanzibar from 3 to 8 flights a week. Kilimanjaro is the 3rd destination in Tanzania and the 12th in flydubai’s African flights network.…
Dear APTA Corporate Members We’re getting ready to print our 2018 APTA Corporate Directory and now is your chance to have your company featured. All directory advertisements are due by July 21st . Rates & Specifications can be found here. The print version of the APTA Corporate Directory is distributed to all APTA members and is…
The public areas at Lion Sands River Lodge in the Sabi Sand Reserve, Mpumalanga, have burned down after a fire broke out around 04h00 on Wednesday June 21. The fire was contained within the hour and none of the accommodation was affected. The cause of the fire is still unknown. All staff and guests are…
The World Travel & Tourism Council’s recent Global Summit in Bangkok, Thailand took as its theme ‘Transforming our World’ and sessions dissected the role, challenges and opportunities for Travel & Tourism to contribute to the global sustainable development agenda and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Protecting environments, habitats and biodiversity is a fundamental part…
It’s a great thrill for the JG Black Book Collection to welcome the Elewana Collection and its 14 properties across Kenya and Tanzania. It’s also a pleasure to welcome James Haigh, the Director of Sales and Marketing for Elewana, back to the JG Black Book family, who many of you will know from his days…
Coastal Aviation have recently opened a transit lounge in Dar es Salaam nearby the airport (only four minutes driving). Our guests can enjoy a complimentary transfer and take a nap in case of long layover, totally free of charge! It is open 24/7, useful for night arrivals and departures (e.g. Turkish, Ethiopian…) Read More
It’s now easier than ever to combine the traditional “Northern Circuit” with a few days in Selous or Ruaha. Coastal Aviation have made it possible to Fly FAST and direct from Serengeti to Selous & Ruaha and then to Dar Es Salaam / Zanzibar in a comfortable (fast and pressurized) 9-seater Pilatus PC12 aircraft. Flight CQ500 Depart Arusha 08:15…
California Dreamin’ – APTA is going back to the Beach! Join us in San Diego, California September 15th & 16th, 2017 The Association for the Promotion of Tourism to Africa (APTA) is pleased to announce that our annual National Forum will be held in San Diego, California on September 15th & 16th, 2017 at the Bahia…
George Cohen, Managing Director of The Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa is excited to announce the appointment of Tom Rutherford as the new General Manager from 1 June 2017. Rutherford joins with a wealth of hospitality experience beginning with a seven-year stint at the Cape Grace Hotel where he gained a strong background in both guest…
Beautifully-set in the heart of Olare Motorogi Conservancy, and bordering Africa’s greatest reserve, Masai Mara, is the stunning Olare Mara Kempinski, a luxury tented camp to enjoy authentic African experience and unparalleled class and comfort. The award-winning camp is surrounded by riverine woodland on the banks of the famous Ntiakitiak River where hippos and other…
Do you have last minute clients looking to see the migration? If so then think Mara Expedition! Mara Expedition is a 5 tent camp that sits on the footprint of the old Mara Toto camp on the shaded banks of the Ntiakitiak River. Set just inside the Masai Mara Reserve, Mara Expedition is ideally placed…
Shamwari Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape has undergone soft refurbishments of two of its 5 star lodges – Riverdene Family Lodge and Sarili Lodge. Riverdene Family Lodge and Sarili Lodge have seen soft refurbishments, to improve on the existing luxury five star standards, by Grahamstown based Interior decorator, Tracy Mills Interiors. Interior refurbishments have…
On Sunday night as the country was celebrating the July 4th weekend, Ethiopian Airlines touched down at Newark International Airport marking the beginning of new direct service from EWR to ADD via Lome, Togo. The event was attended by over 300 Ethiopian stakeholders including the CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, Mr Tweolde GebreMariam and Ambassadors from…
Introducing the Trails of Botswana: a discovery of Botswana’s sought after safari destinations, both well travelled and unexplored. Sun Destinations combines world renowned national parks, game reserves, and exclusive private concessions in these expertly tailored itineraries linking the Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve, Linyanti, and Savuti regions of Chobe National Park. Participating safari camps range…
White Pearl Resorts, a luxury five-star resort in Mozambique, remembers Mandela; his legacy; his love for children and the importance he placed on our youth’s education. Mandela Day was launched in 2009 in recognition of Nelson Mandela’s birthday on 18th July. It’s more than a commemoration of Madiba’s life and legacy, it’s a call to…
With this special package, Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti provides the perfect balance of adventure and rejuvenation. Revitalize your mind, body and spirit with mornings of safari adventures in the wilderness and afternoons of relaxation and recuperation at our Spa and Wellness Retreat. This all-inclusive four-day program includes three signature wellness experiences along with unforgettable…
The KAI Collection’s Dulini Private Game Reserve is proud to announce the growth of its portfolio of private, luxury lodges in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. The exceptional safari experience offered by Dulini is to be extended by the inclusion of two spectacular lodges: Leadwood and River Lodge. Originally managed by &Beyond as Exeter Leadwood…
Joburg offers world-class experiences at astonishing value. The Four Seasons’ interactive website, as well the assistance of our concierge team, will enable you to unlock Joburg’s “Big Five”, witnessing a vibrant urban revival first-hand: 1. Arts & Culture: Immerse yourself in the many galleries, or in the creative inner-city hub of Maboneng, then see the…
Cape Town Tourism’s ‘Hello Weekend Campaign’ promotes Cape Town as an ideal destination with great value for money, especially between May- August. Why weekends? Greatly anticipated by most, weekends hold so much promise. Weekends are packed with events Weekend mini breaks are affordable A great weekend is a combination of experiences Weekend themes to promote…
2017 will see the opening of Africa’s most significant museum in over one hundred years. The Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCCAA) will open its doors to the world on 25 September 2017. The unique partnership between the V&A Waterfront and Jochen Zeitz will create a new cultural institution focusing on collecting, preserving and…
Savour the gift of another day in the breathtaking Serengeti, and another night in signature Four Seasons comfort. With this package, you’ll receive a complimentary fourth night to enjoy all this magical destination has to offer. INCLUDED IN THIS PACKAGE Complimentary fourth night with every three consecutive paid nights Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner Beverages,…
Wilderness Safaris and the Governors’ Camp Collection are delighted to announce a new strategic partnership as a result of an acquisition of equity in this premier East African safari brand through Wilderness Holdings. In addition to being one of East Africa’s oldest and most respected safari brands, the Governors’ safari camps are located in undoubtedly…
We would like to share with you our recognition and achievement for being voted Uganda’s Leading Safari Lodge 2016 winner at the prestigious World Travel Awards™ Africa & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony 2016 which was held on the 9th April 2016 at Diamonds La Gemma dell’Est in Zanzibar, Tanzania. The world Travel Awards is voted…
Congratulations to Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge for being voted Uganda’s Leading Safari Lodge 2016. The World Travel Awards™ is voted for by travel and tourism professionals worldwide, and this accolade recognizes the commitment to excellence which the Lodge has demonstrated in the last twelve months. World Travel Awards™ Africa & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony 2016…
HOW DID THE MUSEUM COME ABOUT? The establishment of the museum came about as a confluence of factors. The V&A Waterfront recognised the significance of its Grain Silo complex as an historic landmark and for years debated possible uses. An art museum was eventually decided upon but a collection was needed. The desire was to…
Panthera Africa is an environmentally friendly sanctuary for any captive bred big cats, where they will be protected and prosper for the rest of their lives. One of Panthera Africa’s main purposes is to be an educational platform where we create awareness about conditions big cats face in captivity, and how animal welfare and enrichment…
An extra night in luxury means an extra day to explore everything Johannesburg has to offer. Whether you are here for shopping, business or simply for the sheer love of the city, your stay will be a memorable one. With this package, stay two consecutive paid nights in one of our luxurious accommodations and Four Seasons Hotel…
Explore the distinctive collection of luxury lodges and hotels in Southern Africa with Extraordinary, showcasing the finest holiday destinations in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana. From the elegantly decorated Country Boutique Hotel in the Mpumalanga province, to the eclectic and modern Cape Milner, situated beneath Table Mountain in Cape Town, our locations cover the most…