If local tourism suppliers are not flexible with cancellation policies and fees amid the COVID-19 pandemic they could potentially destroy long-term relationships with global tour operators and DMCs and lose future business. This is the opinion of Juliane Loubser, MD of Cape Town-based DMC, Fairfield Tours, who told Tourism Update that many South African tourism suppliers were sticking…
Countries around the world are adopting and integrating the United Nations World Tourism Organisation’s new ‘Stay home today so you can travel tomorrow’ campaign to curb the spread of COVID-19 while still stimulating travel appetites for the future. UNWTO is promoting the tagline on digital media through the hashtag #TravelTomorrow. It encourages travellers to adhere to…
Airlink, the South African-based domestic and regional airline, is suspending all operations after midnight this Thursday, 26 March 2020 in support of South Africa’s lock-down to slow and contain the spread of the COVID-19 “Coronavirus”. “In the face of this global public health emergency, the safety and well-being of our customers, crew, employees their families…
Earlier this year, when the first reports of the coronavirus started to come out of China, global health officials said they were very worried about what would happen if the virus started spreading in Africa, where many health systems are already struggling. Well, now the coronavirus is spreading in Africa. So far the number of…
Malawi has imposed a travel ban on foreign nationals from countries affected by the Covid-19 disease. President Peter Mutharika announced the ban on Friday when he also announced other measures put in place to manage the threat of coronavirus in the country. “My Government has banned travel of foreign nationals from countries highly affected by…
Several African countries have confirmed their first cases of the coronavirus, while Rwanda has become the first nation in Africa to be placed on lockdown. According to the World Health Organization, more than 1,000 cases had been reported across Africa as of Sunday. In Uganda, Health Minister Jane Ruth Aceng announced the first case, saying that a man flew…
As the coronavirus infects more people around the world, conservationists are warning of the risk to another vulnerable species: Africa’s endangered mountain gorilla. Congo’s Virunga National Park, home to about a third of the world’s mountain gorillas, is barring visitors until June 1, citing “advice from scientific experts indicating that primates, including mountain gorillas, are…
South Africa has announced a nationwide lockdown of its 56 million inhabitants for 21 days, enforced by police and the army, in a bid to curtail the spread of coronavirus. Confirmed cases in the country currently sit at 552, the highest in Africa but much lower than other major economies across Europe and the Americas,…
Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary in Uganda, which cares for orphaned chimpanzees, is closing until the end of April. “COVID-19 affects humans but can potentially also affect chimpanzees and other apes. The risk to our closest cousins is enormous,” says Executive Director Dr Joshua Rukundo. To protect both visitors and the chimps, the sanctuary is closed to all…
Tourism Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane says she has instructed that tourist attractions across the country be closed following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement of a national lockdown from midnight on Thursday to curb the spread of COVID-19. “We are saying to tour operators and tour guides, you have an obligation to be responsible and protect South Africans…
Please see the following message from Kenya Airways Group Managing Director and CEO, Allan Kilavuka Greetings, We in Kenya Airways have been working hard to help our passengers return to their homes given the increased travel restrictions across the world. As we mentioned in our previous communication, we have been forced to reduce our network…
Solomon (Sol) Kerzner, one of the world’s most innovative hoteliers, founder of the Southern Sun hotel group, Sun International and Kerzner International, has died of cancer surrounded by his family at the Kerzner family home, Leeukoppie Estate, in Cape Town, South Africa. Always a maverick, Kerzner was a titan of the hotel and resort industry who redefined the scale and…
South African Airways (SAA) is suspending all international and some regional Africa flights, effective March 20 through May 31, 2020. This immediate action has become necessary due to additional restrictions that have recently been implemented to prevent the spread of COVID-19 Coronavirus throughout South Africa. Please see the attached press release that was issued by…
In a sweeping set of measures Sunday, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said visas of citizens from high-risk countries, including the United States, have been revoked to contain the coronavirus epidemic. Although South Africa has seen only 61 cases of the coronavirus, and no deaths so far, according to officials, this visa shutdown appeared to be aimed at work visas.…
The Republic of Ghana has instituted a stringent travel restriction in its bid to control the Coronavirus in the country. Ghana has confirmed at least six cases. According to a new travel advisory released by the country’s Information Ministry, any traveller, except for Ghanaian citizens and persons with Ghana residence permits, who within 14 days…
As the novel coronavirus rages through the world and spreads rapidly in the U.S., Africa is the least-affected continent at the moment, with less than 300 reported cases in roughly half of its 54 countries so far. A number of media outlets have reacted with a confounded tone, surprised that Africa does not have more…
Seychelles on Monday announced it is temporarily closing down the island nation to cruise ships, a decision taken to protect the population from the threat of the COVID-19 virus but one that will also carry economic reverberations. Top government officials met on Monday to discuss the imminent arrival of a new cruise ship — the Norwegian Spirit — and…
Kenya halted the entry of foreigners from countries that have confirmed coronavirus cases and suspended schools in a bid to reduce the risk of contagion within the East African country. “Only Kenyan citizens and any foreigners with valid residence permits will be allowed to come in provided they proceed on self-quarantine or to a government…
Transnet Ports Authority (TNPA) has confirmed that two cruise liners are being held “off port limits” following one crew member displaying COVID-19 symptoms (the suspected case has yet to be confirmed). TNPA said in a press statement that it was the first suspected case of COVID-19 in a South African seaport. The crew member had…
SA Express will suspend operations from today (18 March 2020) until further notice. This is in light of “recent adverse developments”, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the airline said in a brief statement. This decision will impact both SA Express customers and staff in the following manner: • All customers will be accommodated…
Delta will suspend all flights out of Johannesburg from March 24. Agents queried the flights when they were unable to book past March 24 on the system. Jimmy Eichelgruen, director of sales in the Africa, Middle East & Indian Sub-Continent, confirmed the news to eTNW, adding that a statement would be released later today. The…
SAA has scaled down capacity in response to the low demand for air travel following travel disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. South Africa’s national carrier has reviewed its flight schedule and has decided to operate flights only under circumstances where its load factors and other business considerations weigh in favour of scheduling flights. However…
President Cyril Ramaphosa announced measures to combat the COVID-19 pandemic in South Africa that have far reaching ramifications for us as a sector. The Minister of Tourism, Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane, has confirmed that the tourism industry will play its role in supporting the needed measures announced by the President. We are working closely with the Minister…
Uganda currently has no confirmed cases of COVID-19 as of 11th March 2020. However, to date a total of 1,632 travelers including Ugandans and others traveling back home have been identified as high-risk and and identified for the purposes of follow-up. A total of 986 travelers are under self-quarantine, of which 606 have completed the…
Rwanda implements six new instructions for COVID-19 The Ministry of Health in Rwanda has issued six new instruction for COVID-19 screening at all points of entry. The new instructions are for immediate implementation by deployed health staff. The instructions include that all travellers presenting COVID-19 symptoms and those coming from countries with confirmed cases of…
International hotel group Habitas has debuted in Africa with the opening of its new hotel, Habitas Namibia, in Windhoek this month. There are 15 guest rooms, with each custom-built private lodge located along the ridge of a hillside. A private villa on the property sleeps ten. The communal areas include a restaurant, fire pits, swimming…
Malawi’s commercial capital Blantyre will have a face list with five star hotel which has been completed at Chichiri and set to be opened in April. The Minister of Industry, Trade and Tourism Salim Bagus toured the newly consutructed Five Star Hotel in Blantyre-Pic Arkangel Tembo Minister of Industry, Trade and Tourism Salim Bagus doing…
To date, only three cases of infection have been officially recorded in Africa, one in Egypt, one in Algeria and one in Nigeria, with no deaths. This is a remarkably small number for a continent with nearly 1.3 billion inhabitants, and barely a drop in the ocean of more than 86,000 cases and nearly 3,000 deaths recorded in some…
Zimbabwe and Botswana have vowed to continue collaborating on environmental conservation issues, including efforts to combat poaching and illegal trade in wildlife species as well as promoting tourism activities in the two neighbouring countries. The two countries issued a joint communiqué following the second session of the bi-national commission between Botswana and Zimbabwe held in…
Marriott International has opened Johannesburg Marriott Hotel Melrose Arch and Marriott Executive Apartments Melrose Arch. The hotel is owned and developed by the Amdec Group, and the opening marks the first purpose-built Marriott Hotel and the debut of Marriott Executive Apartments in South Africa. The hotel features 306 guest rooms, two dining venues, seven meeting…
The Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) has issued a travel warning for tourists from China, South Korea, Japan, Italy, and Iran, telling travelers intending to come to Uganda to delay their travel date due to the spread of the new coronavirus. UTB Chief Executive Office Lilly Ajarova, in the new guidelines, warned that travel from the…
Notice for Postponement for 2020 ‘TAKULANDIRANI’ Malawi International Tourism Expo – ‘Takulandirani’ Malawi International Tourism Expo that was scheduled from 23rd to 25th April has been postponed to a date to be announced
Kenya Tourism Board has been executing travel workshops on the West Coast this week. On Monday 15 Kenyan suppliers met with 40 American buyers at the Kimpton Everly Hotel in Hollywood. The event was opened by H.E. Ambassador Njeri Karago, Consul General of the Republic of Kenya in Los Angeles. On Tuesday, the roadshow continued…
In a revised travel advisory issued by the Public Health Authority, no persons from Seychelles apart from returning residents are allowed to travel to China, including the Special Administrative Region (SAR), South Korea, Italy and Iran with immediate effect. This ban would also impact tourists visiting Seychelles who have recently traveled to infected countries. The revision is part…
Eswatini’s tourism sector is confident that it will exceed the goal of more than two million tourist arrivals by 2023 through strategic partnerships with other southern African tourism organisations. CEO of the Eswatini Tourism Authority (ETA), Linda Nxumalo, explained to Tourism Update that although the tourism industry was doing well, there was always room for growth. “The government…
Lilongwe Wildlife Centre (LWC) is Malawi’s only wildlife rescue centre, home to around 200 animals and world renowned for its high standards of animal welfare. Set in a beautiful 180-hectare reserve in the heart of the capital, Lilongwe, LWC is a critical part of the city’s unique cultural history and increasingly fragile biodiversity. Read more…
The Magical Kenya Roadshow will be coming to Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle next week. Tour operators and travel advisors with an interest in selling Kenya are encouraged to participate in the half day programs that will include 18 suppliers traveling to the US from Kenya. Los Angeles – Monday 24 February 10am-2pm @ Kimpton…
The Elewana Collection reports that the first-ever museum dedicated to music legend Freddie Mercury has opened on the island of Zanzibar. Officially partnered with Queen Productions in the UK, the museum aims to showcase his birth as Farrokh Bulsara, his roots with the Zoroastrian religion, his childhood and upbringing in Zanzibar, followed by his schooling…
Luwawa Forest Lodge, located on the Viphya Plateau, offer guests a unique downhill hike from Luwawa Forest Lodge, high up on the Viphya Plateau, to Kachere Kastle located on the shores of Lake Malawi. The 74km trail spans four days, allowing the opportunity to wild camp for three nights amid stunning natural beauty with close proximity to safe,…
The number of rhinos killed for their horns in South Africa has dropped for a fifth consecutive year, according to recent data released by the Ministry of Environmental Affairs. A total of 594 rhinos were killed in South Africa in 2019, a 22% drop from 769 in 2018. Minister of Environmental Affairs, Barbara Creecy, said…
A new Mandela multi-purpose exhibition centre has been officially opened at The Nelson Mandela Capture Site Precinct in KwaZulu Natal. Minister of Tourism, Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane, joined KZN Premier, Sihle Zikalala, for the opening of the centre today (February 11 ), the 30th anniversary of former President Nelson Mandela’s release from prison. The Department of Tourism…
The 5th Annual Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo (POATE) 2020 opened on February 4,2020, kicking off three days of business-to-business and business-to-customer engagements among key Ugandan and regional tourism players with selected tourism wholesalers from Africa and other overseas tourism markets. POATE, which is taking place at the Speke Resort in Munyonyo on the shores…
The first cruise ship for 2020 docks at the Port of Mombasa this week, where the government has invested in a modern state-of-the-art terminal. MS Marco Polo, owned by the Global Maritime Group under charter to UK-based Cruise and Maritime Voyages, brings in 500 passengers (both tourists and crew), Kenya Tourism Board confirmed yesterday. The…
Turkish Airlines will launch its new Dreamliner on the Cape Town route from March 9. “The new aircraft will bring with it a next-level flying experience, including the latest in-flight entertainment system and a new business class product,” says Kenan Ince, Cape Town General Manager for the airline. “This plane is a game changer in…
The City Lodge Hotel Group (CLHG) opened its 62nd hotel – City Lodge Hotel Maputo – in Mozambique earlier this month. The hotel is on Rua Para o Palmar, which is within each reach of the Costa do Sol beach and is the closest hotel to Maputo International Airport. The hotel has 148 rooms, including…
The Nankumba Peninsula tourism project planned for Mangochi is set to change the face of Malawi’s tourism. It is expected that the sector will be easy to market through available infrastructure contained in the project that will be able to attract more tourists into the country. On Friday evening Afrixembank delegation had an audience with…
A new six-part documentary following the work of conservation NGO Lilongwe Wildlife Trust launched Sunday 9th February 5:30pm GMT in the UK, Europe, Middle East & Africa on the Love Nature TV channel (Virgin Media channel 275 in the UK). Created by Bristol-based Icon Films, Malawi Wildlife Rescue follows the dedicated team behind the award-winning…
Precautions are being taken in Africa to avoid further spread of the coronavirus, although there are currently no confirmed cases on the continent. Air Tanzania announced last week that its new scheduled flights to China, due to start later this month, will be postponed due to the coronavirus. A statement from the World Health Organization’s…
South African Airways has announced resumption of flights to Blantyre, Malawi with effect from Wednesday 1 April 2020. The schedule will remain the same as before: JNB – BLZ 10:00 12:05 BLZ-JNB 12:55 15:10
The world is mourning an icon. Tim, one of the last surviving super tusker elephants in Africa has died in Amboseli National Park. While many elephants in the country die prematurely due to poaching, the Majestic Tim, one of Africa’s last big tusker elephants and an African Elephant ambassador died of natural causes early Tuesday…