fastjet has won the title of Africa’s Leading Low-Cost Airline at the 23rd annual World Travel Awards ceremony held in Zanzibar, Tanzania. The globally-recognized World Travel Awards was instituted to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all key sectors of the travel, tourism and hospitality industry. The title of Africa’s Leading Low-Cost Airline, which is voted for…
African Luxury Hideaways is delighted to announce that Elephant’s Eye, Hwange, has won the 2016 Luxury Lodge Award prize. Over the past 12 months, Luxury Travel Guide has been receiving votes for accommodations with a focus on luxury throughout Africa and the Middle East. The brand’s subscribers, hotel guests, travel agencies and industry experts who…
Hotelier Summit Africa announces its jam-packed, hospitality-trending, content-rich conference programme line-up, which will take place from 21 – 22 April 2016 at Hilton, Sandton in South Africa. Delegates will be spoilt for choice at this year’s leading hotel summit with quality content, delivered by respected local and international members of the hotel industry. A…
At the World Travel Awards Africa & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony 2016, Air Seychelles took the title of Indian Ocean’s Leading Airline. The red-carpet event was hosted by Diamonds La Gemma dell’est, on the northern tip of Zanzibar, Tanzania, with hundreds of industry leaders in attendance. Also among the winners was Kenya Airways, recognised as…
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) is pleased to announce the Winners of the 2016 Tourism for Tomorrow Awards. The Awards, which were presented at a special ceremony during the 16th WTTC Global Summit in Dallas, Texas, USA, showcase business leadership in sustainable tourism, celebrating ground-breaking and inspiring initiatives across five categories. The 2016…
Yankari Game Reserve – A luxury safari is probably not the first thing that comes to mind when potential tourists think of Nigeria… but that’s exactly what Yankari Game Reserve is hoping to change. In Africa’s largest economy, suffering from the collapse in global oil prices, tourism is being touted as a panacea to slow…
“The official opening of Carana Beach and the arrival of the hotel’s first guests are just days away”, Alan Mason, the Director of the company, told Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture, when he visited the property ahead of the opening of the hotel. The first guests are booked to arrive…
Cape Town – A concierge from Rondebosch East, Cape Town, scooped two prestigious awards within a month for his dedication to service, including the coveted Golden Keys. Masood Sadulla, 31, uses his “experience, contacts and institution” to ensure that his guests leave the country with unforgettable memories. Sadulla now proudly displays the precious crossed golden…
The tourism industry is of vital importance to South Africa, because of its capacity to grow the country’s GDP through economic growth, job creation and attracting foreign exchange. In 2013 alone, the number of persons employed in the tourism industry amounted to 4,5% of all employed persons in South Africa, providing jobs at all skill…
African Sun and Legacy Hospitality have signed an agreement to co-operate in the development of Tourism in Zimbabwe. The agreement provides for the management, refurbishment and expansion of 5 of African Sun’s strategic assets. The Kingdom at Victoria Falls, Elephant Hills Resort, Hwange Safari Lodge, The Monomotapa Hotel and Troutbeck, with expansion projected for Caribbea…
Tuesday, 01 March 2016 marked a momentous occasion for MalaMala Game Reserve and for the South African eco-tourism industry in general. It saw the official launch of the “new” MalaMala Game Reserve (Pty) Ltd – a private-public partnership between Mr Michael Rattray, the founder and previous owner of MalaMala, Mr Stephen Saad, the owner of the…
Not too long ago, getting from one city to another often meant a connection in Europe. That is finally changing, as low-cost airlines are taking off across the region, serving routes that cater to the continent’s growing middle class.It has not been easy for them. African nations signed an “open skies” agreement in 1988, similar…
It is an unfortunate fact that the U.S. continues to be one of the world’s leading markets for illegal wildlife products, including jewellery, skins and trinkets. … Corporate leaders understand that they can play a constructive role in implementing policy goals when they are engaged from the beginning of the process. For this reason, the…
Hilton Worldwide will be opening its first property in Botswana next year. Its upscale-yet-affordable Hilton Garden Inn property will be the first in a series of the company ‘s new hotels to make its debut over the next several years. The 150-room hotel will be located in the capital, Gaborone, a short ride from Sir Seretse…
Prof. Dr. Wolfgang H. Thome, eTN Africa Correspondent Mar 25, 2016 The main airfield in the Masai Mara, Keekorok, will be closed for major maintenance effective Tuesday, March 29. This follows a short closure last year, when emergency repairs were carried out on the runway. The date was reportedly agreed upon with lodge and camp…
The world’s first trail-running safari experience, traversing three African countries, in a three-day, 92-km journey through big-five game areas, has been announced by South African trail-running event specialists, Wildrunner. The inaugural Mapungubwe Transfrontier Wildrun®, will take place from May 13 – 15, 2016. It promises a wildlife-rich running experience through the bushveld of the Greater…
KAMPALA, Uganda – On March 21, 2016 The Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) embarked on another phase – grading and classifying hotels and related accommodation facilities. Under the Quality Assurance Department program, a hotel classification inventory exercise is being introduced, to determine whether a given hotel meets certain essential requirements. “To qualify for classification, the hotel…
With a view to integrating the region further and fostering even development among member states, Heads of States of the East African Community (EAC) have agreed to launch a new internal e-passport for the region. East African will begin using new EAC electronic passports from January next year, after Heads of State from the member…
Wilderness Safaris is delighted to announce the enhancement of its authentic, sustainable ecotourism offering in Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools National Park. Not only by rebuilding its much-loved Ruckomechi Camp, due to open on 1 May 2016, but also by creating another small, intimate camp in the same concession, which will be opening 1 July 2016. “We…
Wilderness Safaris’ new privately-guided, experience-based Wilderness Safaris Explorations provides guests with the opportunity to immerse themselves completely in some of Africa’s most pristine and remote wilderness areas. “We are delighted to launch three new Explorations in Botswana and an exciting walking safari in Hwange, Zimbabwe”, said Simon Stobbs, Wilderness Safaris Explorations Manager. “Rather than simply…
On Sunday, 20th March 2016, an Airlink Embraer ERJ 135 regional jet aircraft touched down at the Madagascan island destination Nosy Be. This flight heralds the return of direct services between Johannesburg and Nosy Be, the start of a new important link, providing leisure travellers from the four corners of the world with efficient and…
Salute Africa, a South African-based tour operator with 24 years’ experience in ground handling, is honoured to invite APTA members on a familiarisation trip in May 2016. We will to take you on a journey into parts of Southern Africa which are worth visiting. It’s aimed at looking into places you may already know and…
Cape Town International Airport has been ranked as the best airport in Africa at the SkyTrax World Airport Award. These awards are a global benchmark of airport excellence, and widely known as the Passengers Choice Awards – the most prestigious accolades for the airport industry, voted by customers in the largest, annual global airport customer…
BERLIN, Germany – . At a capacity-crowd press conference on the opening day of ITB Berlin – the world’s largest international travel fair, Qatar Airways’ Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, announced a significant network expansion of 14 new destinations In July, Marrakech (Morocco) will begin with flights three times per week,…
Mantis Owners Collection is the latest addition to Mantis, joining the well-established Mantis Collection and Mantis eXtreme portfolios. Launching this month, all the hand-picked properties in the Owners Collection represent the finest examples of their kind and celebrate the culture, gastronomy, architecture and nature of the locations in which they are found. The spectacular selection…
Africavel, Inc. Independent Educational – SOUTH AFRICA – 10 DEPARTURE DATES TO CHOOSE FROMing your companion for the same price Dear Travel Agent, At African Travel, Inc. we believe that the best way to showcase our outstanding services and range of products, is to have our travel agent partners experience both first hand. Our 2016…
London – On behalf of the aviation industry, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) signed a declaration aimed at reducing the illegal trafficking of wildlife and underlining the aviation industry’s commitment to sustainability. The inter-connected air transport network is being exploited by criminal gangs to smuggle animals or their products from the killing field to…
Nature’s Best Photography originated in the United States with ambitious goals to celebrate the beauty and diversity of nature through the art of photography and to use this vivid medium as a creative tool for encouraging greater public interest and involvement in outdoor enjoyment and conservation. Nature’s Best Photography Africa is a new extension of…
In less than 2 months, the doors to Lion Sands Ivory Lodge will be closing for extensive refurbishment. When she is relaunched after a period of 4 months, she will be revealed in her full new splendour. Ivory Lodge has always been the under-stated jewel in the Lion Sands Game Reserve crown – a place…
Having achieved a reputation for exceptionally good value for our unique tailored flight services, and of fixing rates to the best of our ability, we are now faced with the unfortunate necessity of an immediate rate increase on selected routes. This is due to the dramatic devaluation of the Rand against the Dollar, which affects…
World Travel Awards has reached an agreement with Realtours and the Associação Empresarial de São Tomé e Príncipe to host the World Travel Awards Africa Gala Ceremony 2017. The event will be held in the city of São Tomé, with major sponsors including CST, Mota Engil, HBD, BISTP and Ghana Link Networks Services already confirmed.…
fastjet has increased the number of flights on its route between Dar es Salaam in Tanzania and Nairobi in Kenya in response to strong passenger demand. From March 21st, fastjet will offer two daily return flights between each city every day of the week, making a total of 28 flights per week between Dar es…
Wilderness Safaris is delighted to launch hot air balloon safaris at Vumbura Plains and Little Vumbura camps in Botswana’s Okavango Delta, which will run from 18 April until end September 2016 to coincide with the dry season. To complement the balloon safari, guests can also opt for an exclusive eight-minute helicopter transfer to and from…
Reunion Island Tourism (IRT) and Google have partnered to enable users around the world to discover the 255 kms of trails and paths of this diverse and scenic island on the Internet. Viewers will have the opportunity to admire the landscapes, one more incredible than the next. Most of the hiking and cycling trails are…
By Adam Ihucha, Arusha Serena Hotels will invest $7 million (about Sh15.3 billion) this year to transform properties in Tanzania in efforts to maintain standards. The planned software and hardware infrastructural improvements for Serena hotels in the northern and southern Tanzania would cost $3 million while the Dar es Salaam Serena Hotel facelift will cost…
Preparations are being finalized to launch Ethiopian Airlines’ service to New York’s JFK airport by the end of June. Ethiopian suspended flights to Newark in 2004 to provide non-stop service from Washington to Addis Ababa, with connections to its network in East, Central and Southern Africa. Ethiopian’s network will once again provide a vital link…
The Kenya Tourism Board extends a warm welcome to attend a Magical Kenya Road Show from March 15 to March 17, 2016. Tour dates and complimentary events are as follows: Houston, TX: Tuesday, March 15, 2016 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Sheraton North Houston. Breakfast will be provided. San Francisco, CA: Wednesday, March 16, 2016…
This is your chance to win the trip of a lifetime! First prize is a three-day, three-night photography safari to Mara Bushtops, conducted by world-famous astro-photographer and digital effects artist, Mark Gee, plus Swiss Airlines business class return tickets for two, from a Swiss Airlines destination in Europe to Kenya. Runner-up prizes of free holidays…
&Beyond will once again take over the management of the exclusive &Beyond Matetsi Private Game Reserve, as well as its 50 000 hectare (123 500 acre) wildlife concession on the Zambezi River, while also re-establishing an exclusive ground-handling operation in the area. “With the expansion of Victoria Falls Airport providing easier access and changing the dynamics of how guests…
A Kenyan wildlife conservancy organization announced on Monday that it has opened a new corridor, which will enable wildlife species to cross a main government road safely, without causing risks to local communities. The organization, Ol Jogi Ranch, which comprises a total size of 58,000 acres is located in northwestern Kenya’s Laikipia County, 225km out of the…
One of the few truly private tropical islands in the world will be opening its doors from April 2016. Thanda Island is the magnificent beach residence of the Swedish entrepreneur and philanthropist couple, Christin and Dan Olofsson. Situated within southern Tanzania’s Shungi Mbili Island Marine Reserve, this private island offers absolute exclusivity for families and…
Comair CEO Erik Venter says ticket sales for St Helena will commence as soon as the airport has been certified by the British Civil Aviation Authority. This, he said, should happen soon and the first flight will hopefully take place in May. They will be offering weekly flights to St Helena, every Saturday, on a…
The long-awaited re-opening of the Pafuri airstrip is here and we were excited to kick-start 2016 with guests flying directly into the Kruger National Park, which is where the safari begins. On arrival, guests are met by a guide and an open 4×4 safari vehicle for their transfer to the The Outpost. The transfer is…
Cape Town – Any globally competitive city knows that direct flight route access is a definitive part of the travel planning process for most travelers – especially those seeking convenience as they explore the world’s most sought-after destinations. In response, Wesgro has officially launched Cape Town Air Access – an international air route development in…
The sun has risen on a new era as Mabula Game Lodge launches the fresh new Mabula Game Lodge brand. Located in the scenic Waterberg region of Limpopo, Mabula Game Lodge is one of Africa’s premier game lodges. Home to the Big 5 and a vast range of fauna and flora, this gem of nature…
Cape Town – South African Airways (SAA) has announced that, as from 1 April 2016, check-in gates for flights on domestic routes from Johannesburg will be closing 10 minutes earlier than usual. Previously, SAA closed check-in for all domestic flights 30 minutes before boarding. However, this has now been changed to 40 minutes before departure for all…
Fort Lauderdale, FL (February 23, 2016) – South African Airways (SAA), the national flag carrier of South Africa and Africa’s most awarded airline, is honoured to be named “Best Airline in Africa” and “Best Business Class to Africa” in the annual Best in Business Travel Awards survey by readers of Business Traveller Magazine. The Best…
NAIROBI, KENYA: The Cabinet Secretary for Tourism, Najib Balala, has appointed Ms. Jacinta Nzioka Mbithi as the Acting Managing Director, Kenya Tourism Board (KTB). The out-going Managing Director, Mr. Muriithi Ndegwa, who has been at the helm of KTB for slightly over six years, served two full terms. Announcing the appointment, the Cabinet Secretary assured…
New APTA members Singita, have announced that on selected Thursdays in September, November and December 2016, flights will operate between Singita Pamushana and Victoria Falls. This year, these flights will be available on certain dates only, but the aim is to establish a more regular routing in 2017. FAST FACTS Routing: • Singita Pamushana Lodge –…
Commended by the international judging panel for its outstanding entry, variety of experiences as well as the thought and detail behind its offering, Franschhoek-based La Motte Wine Estate has again been acknowledged by the Drinks International Wine Tourism Awards for Best Food and Wine Matching Experience. This is the third time La Motte has won…