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…
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…
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…
Mozambique’s state-owned national airline, Linhas Aéreas de Moçambique (LAM), plans to resume flights between Maputo and Lisbon, operated by Fly Modern Ark, starting from December 12. The airline is scheduled to operate flights on Sundays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, using a Boeing 777. This service to Portugal will be LAM’s longest non-stop route, and Lisbon will…
In response to popular demand, Airlink are adding a fourth weekly frequency on their Johannesburg-Lilongwe route with the introduction of a Saturday flight from 16 December 2023. Airlink will now fly to Malawi every day of the week, serving Lilongwe on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays and Blantyre on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. All Lilongwe…
Kenyan low-cost carrier Jambojet has announced the launch of a new route between Mombasa and Zanzibar from July 1, 2024, in line with the airline’s strategy to grow as a regional player. Jambojet Chairperson Vincent Rague announced the four-times weekly route and the launch of ticket sales at the combined East African Regional Tourism Expo and Magical…
FlyNamibia is to launch a Windhoek to Victoria Falls route, starting April 4 next year. Flights will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays between Hoseo Kutako International Airport and the Zimbabwean resort town of Victoria Falls. “This new route is a key element in Zimbabwe’s regional network expansion strategy which aims to enhance regional connectivity,…
Legacy Collection isn’t just a jewelry collection. Each piece is a poignant work of art made from the Robben Island fence, once the fence was a symbol of oppression is now a new symbol of hope, forgiveness and freedom. Legacy Collection products are handmade and locally produced in Cape Town. Each range (Peace; Rights; Justice;…
The development of rural tourism gives visitors a unique experience beyond the traditional sites. On the KwaZulu Natal South Coast, the Agri Tourism Route is one such offering, with the farmlands offering a chance for outdoor adventure and home-grown tastes. Now, the KZN South Coast has another addition to its popular Agri Tourism Route with…
Wednesday, November 29th at 2pm Eastern REGISTER HERE: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5452628130477007959 There is no better place for an adventurous safari than at our owner run and managed camps – renowned for friendliness and warmth, you’ll feel like you’ve a member of the family when you leave. Crafted for all ages and abilities, the wide range of activities…
The North American Hosted Buyer Show is an exclusive opportunity for travel agents from across North America to meet and do business with exhibitors from Africa’s Eden (Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe) during a two and a half day, qualitative event in two locations: Washington DC and San Diego. The event is designed to incentivize…
National carrier, SAA, has opened its new international lounge at OR Tambo International Airport. “Our commitment to offering customers exceptional services both in the air and on the ground, is revealed by the recent upgrades to our world-class airport lounges, called, The Lounge,” said an SAA spokesperson in a press release. The opening of the…
Motorists are breathing a sigh of relief following the reopening of the Hemel-en-Aarde road (R320) in the Western Cape yesterday (November 14). A stop-and-go system is in now place at the Hemel-en-Aarde Estate and Camphill farm. There is currently no restriction on vehicle size as the new road section has been done to facilitate the…
Lepogo Lodges, a non-profit safari lodge in South Africa’s Limpopo province, has recently successfully reintroduced cheetahs and buffalo to the Lapalala Wilderness Reserve, contributing to the preservation of native wildlife. Lapalala now boasts a third generation of lions and the birth of Wild Dog pups, further aiding endangered species conservation. Nestled within 50 000ha of pristine…
The Tree Project have been granted £15,000 from the Welsh Government Africa-Wales partnership grant. The Welsh Government is part funding the project, which is supported by Culford School, Monkton School, Xcel Bowl, Tree Twinning and a host of individual donors. Fisherman’s Rest want to take a moment and thank ALL of you for keeping the…
RwandAir has continued to expand its fleet with the recent delivery of its seventh Boeing 737 aircraft. The Boeing 737-800 will be based at the carrier’s Kigali hub and will operate throughout Africa and the Middle East. The aircraft will allow RwandAir to further expand its regional operations and offers customers connectivity and quick transfers…
Sun International is making an urgent appeal to visitors not to respond to any social media posts purportedly offering accommodation and dinner at any Sun City hotel for only R25 (€1.2) a night. Sun City General Manager, Brett Hoppé, said: “This is a scam clearly intended to defraud people, and we’re asking members of the public…
Ethiopian Airlines soared back to the top of the African aviation scene as they reclaimed the prestigious title of ‘Africa’s Leading Airline’ at the 2023 World Travel Awards, which took place in Dubai for Africa and the Indian Ocean regions. In a stunning comeback, Africa’s largest airline managed to regain the title it had held…
COMBINING COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP AND DIGITAL TOOLS, THE CITY OF FREETOWN’S INITIATIVE, FREETOWN THE TREETOWN, IS GALVANISING A GRASSROOTS MOVEMENT FOR TREE PRESERVATION IN SIERRA LEONE’S CAPITAL. Over the past half century, Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone, has undergone rapid population growth, resulting in the loss of millions of trees due to urban development in…
Over the next decade, Africa’s travel and tourism sector could add US$168 billion to the continent’s economy and create over 18 million jobs. This was revealed at the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Global Summit in Kigali, Rwanda, last week based on a report by the WTTC titled, ‘Unlocking Opportunities for Travel & Tourism Growth…
The Council of the City of Cape Town has supported the proclamation of six new City-managed nature reserves across Cape Town, and the extension of various nature reserves. The proposed new nature reserves are Ariesfontein Nature Reserve; Haasendal Nature Reserve; Soetwater Nature Reserve; Symphony Way Nature Reserve; Van Schoorsdrift Nature Reserve and Westlake Nature Reserve.…
Wilderness’s luxury tented camp Desert Rhino Camp in Namibia’s vast Palmwag Concession in Damaraland, will close on December 7 to undergo an extensive rebuild. The reconstruction will enhance guests’ safari experience in the unique Namib Desert landscape. The camp, which is expected to reopen in July, was built in 2003, with eight Meru-style tents and…
Seychelles’ highly anticipated 2023-2024 cruise season was launched with the arrival of the newly built SH Diana late last month. To kick off the new season, Mahé Shipping, the Seychelles shipping agent responsible for co-ordinating this year’s launch event, orchestrated a ceremony in collaboration with the Seychelles Ports Authority, the Tourism Department, and key partners such as…
Starting March 1, 2024, Halsted’s Aviation Corporation (HAC) will begin operating weekly flights between Buffalo Range Airport (Chiredzi, Zimbabwe) and Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (Mbombela, South Africa), enhancing connectivity between two sought-after safari destinations in sub-Saharan Africa. This new flight routing will enable guests to seamlessly link Singita Malilangwe in Zimbabwe and the Singita Kruger…
Angama Amboseli, a new 10-suite lodge from the team behind Maasai Mara’s Angama Mara, has opened in Kenya’s private 5,700-acre Kimana Sanctuary against the dramatic backdrop of Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest mountain. Angama, which was opened in partnership with Big Life Foundation, helps protect a critical wildlife corridor. Elephants are the star of the show at…
Gondwana Collection Namibia has recently unveiled the latest addition to its upmarket Secret Collection, The Pearls, in the coastal town of Swakopmund. Situated just steps from the beach, The Pearls’ accommodation offering includes all meals and drinks, a fully stocked kitchen, and a private bar. There is also a central dining area and lounge with…
Land and Lake Safaris, one of Malawi’s longstanding tour operators offering some of the best experiences in the country, have just launched a huge discount on their vehicle hire during the green season, giving adventurous travellers the opportunity to travel Malawi on their own terms for a fraction of the price! The discount is available…
Cable Cars Botswana (CCB) has revealed ambitious plans for the installation of cable cars in the southern region of Gaborone, atop the scenic Kgale Hill. The cable cars will offer an exciting urban adventure, providing visitors with panoramic views of Gaborone and its surroundings. In 2019, CCB initially tried to launch cable cars in Chobe…