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…
The suspension of Kenya Airways 33 weekly flights between Nairobi and Dar es Salaam is expected to have a dire effect on travelers commuting between two nations. Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA) announced that effective January 22, 2024, it has suspended all passenger flights operated by Kenya Airways (KQ) between Nairobi and Dar es Salaam…
A NIGHT IN THE WILD An Evening of Conservation with Dereck & Beverly Joubert Join Dereck and Beverly Joubert for a fundraiser for the conservation and community work of the Great Plains Foundation. Be inspired by all things Africa and conservation along with hors d’oeuvres, dinner and of course a sun-downer! If you live or winter in Florida, or simply want a few…
Kenya’s combination of wildlife, landscapes, and cultural richness makes it a compelling destination for safari enthusiasts. Kenya is renowned for its spectacular wildlife and one of the best safari destinations globally. Iconic national parks and reserves, such as the Maasai Mara, Amboseli, and Tsavo, provide opportunities to witness the Big Five. Recent rains have left…
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…
Please join us in welcoming in the New Year at our first meeting of 2024. Thursday, January 18th, 2024; Time: 6:00pm – 8:30pm Place: Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant – 1822 Pointe Blvd., Unit H150Dania Beach, FL 33004 (free parking and easy access on and off I95) Cost: $20.00 APTA Members $25.00 Non APTA Members…
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…
Happy new year everybody. OurAfrica is set to host an exciting digital trade show for those involved in selling products related to Africa, and it’s proudly sponsored by Destination Africa. The event is scheduled to run 24/7 from February 5th to 9th, offering a global platform for businesses to showcase their offerings. You can find…
A Kenyan former tourism minister has been arrested and taken to court over corruption allegations. Najib Balala, and other former officials, are accused of inflating the cost of building a tourism college in the coastal county of Kilifi. They have not commented on allegations they took irregular payments worth $119m (£94m). He is the first…
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…
Skukuza Safari Lodge in the Kruger National Park will close temporarily from January 1 to facilitate change management and refurbishments as part of SANParks’ Commercialisation Strategy. This seeks to enhance parks as nature tourism destinations by diversifying tourism offerings in partnership with the private sector. SANParks undertook a public tender process for the appointment of…
The Winchester Hotel, which overlooks Cape Town’s Sea Point Promenade, has announced several new developments in time for the festive season this December. An in-house spa and a new suite are opening and Harvey’s Bar and the hotel’s well-known Shoreditch restaurant are also relaunching following a refurbishment. CEO of Newmark Hotels & Reserves, Neil Markovitz, said…
Sierra Leone is on the brink of an exciting transformation, poised to become a beacon of sustainable development and a must-visit destination for eco-conscious travelers. In a groundbreaking move, Octopus Energy, in collaboration with Idris Elba and Siaka Stevens’ Sherbro Alliance Partners, is set to establish the country’s first wind farm in 2024, as part…
A new luxury tented camp, Sango Dadiso Camp, is scheduled to open in May in Zimbabwe’s 200-sqkm Sango Private Game Reserve. The camp comprises four luxury tents, three guides’ tents, a gym and spa tent, a spacious dining tent, a swimming pool and a barbecue area featuring an open pizza oven. Guest tents have ensuite…
Swiss-Belhotel International has entered into a management agreement for its second property in Nairobi, reinforcing its footprint in Kenya’s capital. This comes within a month of the signing of Swiss-Belinn Nairobi, in the city. Situated in Nairobi’s Central Business District, the Nairobi Safari Club will be rebranded as Nairobi Safari Club by Swiss-Belhotel, with the transition set…
Long-haul flights and tiresome layovers do little to leave one feeling refreshed and ready to set off on safari, which is why Chem Chem has compiled a handy flight guide with a list of direct flights to mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar, from some of Europe’s largest cities. For a detailed look at direct flights from…
South Sudan, one of the world’s least-visited countries, is intent on stimulating tourism, despite post-conflict struggles and political instability. The country has experienced various periods of political upheaval and violence since gaining independence in 2011. According to a World Bank report, tourism contributed just 1.8% to the country’s GDP in 2013, with the World Travel…
Register here: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1754030444752800086 Tuesday, December 12th at 2pm Eastern Join this webinar to find out more about Chem Chem Safaris. Discover Chem Chem’s high end properties, which include 2 tented camps and a lodge set on an exclusive-use concession — linking the Tarangire and Manyara national parks in northern Tanzania — and learn about its…
Zambia’s Flatdogs Camp in South Luangwa National Park has been awarded Fair Trade Tourism Certification by Fair Trade Tourism, South Africa. South Luangwa National Park is one of Zambia’s 20 National Parks, covering a vast area measuring 9,050 square kilometers, with a huge concentration of wildlife. The park is also birthplace of Africa’s walking safari.…
Serengeti Balloon Safaris in Tanzania will launch a new flight in the Tarangire National Park from December. The launch site will be in the north-west corner of the Silale Swamp where travellers will take off in time to enjoy a sunrise across Boundary Hill and Lolkisale. From there, travellers will witness views of the vast open…
After more than a decade of delays, corruption, and project mismanagement, a key tourism project in the North West province has been unblocked by the Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille. Construction has restarted on the ambitious Manyane Lodge tourism project in Mahikeng this month – which was first identified for a massive upgrade by the…
Bookings are now open for SAA’s special seasonal schedule from Johannesburg to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth). The airline says it is putting on two flights a day, seven days a week, commencing Wednesday, December 13, until Saturday, March 31, 2024. The schedule is still unknown. The airline has a promotional one-way fare of R713 (€34.8) (G…
Seven cheetah cubs have been born in Malawi’s Liwonde National Park, Malawi, in recent weeks from two different females. This is great news, considering that six years ago, there were no cheetah in the park and the species as a whole was threatened in the country. In 2017, African Parks, in partnership with the Endangered…