Category Archives: APTA News

We’re thrilled to unveil the powerful lineup of confirmed speakers for the 2025 APTA Global Forum—returning to Africa this September! This year’s event will take place in Arusha, Tanzania, the beating heart of East African tourism and conservation. From the savannas of the Serengeti to the slopes of Kilimanjaro and the dynamic corridors of cross-border travel, these speakers are at the…

Anantara Maia Seychelles Villas Introduces Marine Discovery Programme

Anantara Maia Seychelles Villas has introduced a Marine Discovery Programme in partnership with education specialists, WiseOceans, giving guests a hands-on role in coral reef restoration and marine education. The initiative combines guided snorkelling excursions and science-based workshops led by marine biologists, with a focus on reef rehabilitation. This forms part of the resort’s broader commitment to…

Etihad Doubles Nairobi Flights

Etihad Airways is significantly ramping up its presence in Africa, with a major boost to its Nairobi service. Beginning Dec. 15, the airline will double its flights between Abu Dhabi and Kenya’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, increasing from the current once-daily schedule to twice-daily operations. This development follows the successful relaunch of the route in December 2024, which…

Africa’s Hotel Development Pipeline Hits Record Highs with 577 Projects Underway

A new report from the W Hospitality Group reveals an unprecedented surge in the hotel development pipeline across Africa, providing a beacon of hope for the continent’s tourism and hospitality sectors. The 2024 Hotel Development Pipeline Report indicates a total of 577 hotels and resorts are under development, offering a staggering 104,444 rooms—an impressive 13.3% increase…

Malawi Launches New Tourism Authority

Malawi has passed its landmark new Tourism Act that formalises the establishment of the Malawi Tourism Authority (MTA) to regulate the sector and lead coordinated efforts to market the country internationally. Malawi’s Tourism Minister Vera Kamtukule said the Act signals a major policy shift, aiming to create a “modern, competitive and sustainable tourism sector” that aligns with…

Mara-Serengeti Flight Link Suspended

APTA NewsBy Vicky White April 30, 2025

Regional airline AirKenya has temporarily suspended its flight service between Migori in Kenya and Tarime in Tanzania – a popular route for travellers crossing between the Maasai Mara and the Serengeti. The suspension is due to temporary closure of the Tarime Aerodrome for major runway and other infrastructure maintenance scheduled to take place between April 21…

PNW APTA Presents Acacia Holidays and Joshua Nyiera, Founder

Welcome to our in-person presentation showcasing Acacia Holidays Discover the Acacia Holidays Advantage Elevate Your Safari Sales with Acacia Holidays! Experience Africa Like Never Before Ready to wow your clients with unforgettable African adventures? Join us for an exciting presentation on Acacia Holidays and see how they turn travel dreams into reality! With expert support…

Kapama River Lodge Unveils a Reimagined Boma Experience

APTA NewsBy Francois Schutte April 30, 2025

Embark on a Culinary Journey: Kapama River Lodge’s New Dining Experience! We’re redefining the art of luxury safari dining. We believe in continually raising the bar to ensure each Kapama River Lodge guest experiences the pinnacle of African safari luxury. The wait is over. Following weeks of excitement and anticipation – from teaser moments…

AirlinePros International Appointed General Sales Agent for Air Sierra Leone in the United Kingdom

APTA NewsBy David DiGregorio April 17, 2025

AirlinePros International is pleased to announce its appointment as the General Sales Agent (GSA) for Air Sierra Leone in the United Kingdom. Air Sierra Leone has unveiled plans to launch thrice-weekly flights between London Gatwick (LGW) and Freetown (FNA), commencing on June 16th. Additionally, the airline will operate an inaugural flight on Sunday, April 27th,…

Registration Now Open for Africa Showcase North America 2025

Africa Showcase, the premier trade show dedicated to African tourism in North America, is now open for early registration! This year’s roadshow will bring the spirit of Africa to four dynamic cities this November: Atlanta – 11 November 2025 New York City – 13 November 2025 San Diego – 17 November 2025 Vancouver – 19…

Air Access to Lodges Restored Ahead of Busy Easter

Progress has been made in restoring air access to private safari lodges ahead of the busy Easter weekend as the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) works through a high volume of applications from aerodrome operators who had to suspend operations due to non-compliance with new regulations. The regulations, gazetted on March 28, require all aerodromes…

A New Chapter for Ugandan Tourism

New high-end lodges, strategic marketing and increasing global interest have seen Uganda steadily emerge as one of Africa’s most promising tourism destinations. However, the destination will have to navigate several lingering challenges including past security concerns, limited infrastructure and a controversial track record in LGBTQI+ rights, which continues to impact its global image. “In the…

SAA Ups Flights to Windhoek

From May 1, South African Airways (SAA) will add a daily flight on its Johannesburg-Windhoek route, increasing operations on the route from two to three daily. The new flight SA70 will depart Johannesburg at 05h55 and arrive in Windhoek at 07h50. The return flight SA71 will depart Windhoek at 14h30 and arrive in Johannesburg at…

New Seasonal Flight Connects Virgin’s Kenya Camps

Virgin Limited Edition has announced a new internal flight connection between its two luxury Kenyan safari properties, Mahali Mzuri and Finch Hattons. The seasonal route, operated by Safari Link and Fly ALS, will launch in June 2025 and operate exclusively during high season. The new service allows guests to travel directly between the camps in…

Sierra Leone a Top Emerging Cruise Destination at SeaTrade Miami 2025

Sierra Leone took center stage at SeaTrade Cruise Global 2025, the world’s premier maritime industry gathering celebrating its 40th anniversary, where it was recognized as one of the top emerging cruise destinations. The National Tourist Board of Sierra Leone, represented by CornerSun Destination Marketing, joined global industry leaders to showcase the country’s growing appeal to…

Ethiopian to Bring Electric Air Taxis to Africa

Ethiopian Airlines has partnered with Archer Aviation to bring an all-electric air taxi network to the region. The deal makes Ethiopian Airlines the second customer under Archer’s ‘Launch Edition’ programme, following Abu Dhabi Aviation. Archer’s Midnight aircraft is a piloted four-passenger electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicle designed for short, efficient urban flights. Ethiopian…

Southern Sun Revamps Five Joburg Hotels

Southern Sun has concluded a series of refurbishments across five of its hotels in Johannesburg’s key business districts, Sandton and Rosebank. In Sandton, the 24-storey Sandton Towers underwent an interior redesign including the renovation of its Club Floor, Atrium Restaurant, rooftop pool and lobby area. Artistic elements such as sculptures by Anton Smit and a revamped fountain…

First-of-a-kind Sound Safari in Northern Kruger

THE Outpost lodge, a Rare Retreats property situated on a private concession in the northernmost corner of the Kruger National Park, has introduced a first-to-market safari experience that utilises specialised sound equipment to fully immerse guests in the auditory environment of the African bush. During game drives, guests are given headphones connected to a microphone…

New Direct Flight to Londolozi

APTA NewsBy Betty Nassuna April 9, 2025

FEDERAL Airlines has opened bookings for its new daily direct flight from Johannesburg to the world-renowned Londolozi Private Game Reserve within the Sabi Sand. The service starts on June 1. “With FedAir’s new direct Londolozi service, guests will enjoy an effortless transition from city to safari, allowing them to maximise their time in the wilderness…

Kibale Lodge Named One of the Best New Hotels in the World by AFAR

Kibale Lodge named one of the best new hotels in the world by AFAR magazine We are honored that AFAR magazine has named Kibale Lodge one of the best new hotels in the world in 2025. This is a landmark moment on the journey of Volcanoes Safaris. In 1997 when I started building Mount Gahinga…

Amaya Opens in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve

APTA NewsBy Neil Stuckenberg April 9, 2025

We’re pleased to share that Amaya, a new lodge in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, opened its doors earlier this year and has joined the Wilderness Seekers representation family. Tucked away in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, South Africa, Amaya is a serene sanctuary where quiet luxury meets the untamed wild. Hosting just eight guests, it…

Applications Open for Magical Kenya Travel Expo (and it’s aligned with APTA Global Forum!)

APTA NewsBy David DiGregorio April 1, 2025

The Magical Kenya Travel Expo (MKTE) is now accepting buyer applications! Scheduled for October 1–3, 2025 at Nairobi’s Uhuru Gardens National Monument and Museum, MKTE is one of East Africa’s premier tourism trade events—bringing together over 300 exhibitors and 3,000 tourism professionals from across the region and around the world. Here’s the exciting news for…

PNW APTA Presents African Showcase & Essence of Africa and APTA Global Forum

APTA NewsBy Vicky White March 26, 2025

Thursday, April 10 at 10:00 AM PDT – Webinar Join us to learn about African Showcase Roadshow Africa Showcase is the leading global roadshow connecting African tourism products with the international travel trade. Operating across six continents, it provides a dynamic opportunity for exhibitors to showcase their offerings while giving buyers exclusive access to a…

📢 Registration Now Open for APTA Global Forum 2025 in Arusha – Aligned with MKTE and Essence of Africa

APTA News, Featured NewsBy David DiGregorio March 26, 2025

The Association for the Promotion of Tourism to Africa (APTA) is thrilled to announce that registration is officially open for the 2025 APTA Global Forum, taking place in Arusha, Tanzania from September 24–26, 2025 at the stunning Gran Meliá Arusha. This year’s forum marks an exciting new chapter as it becomes officially aligned with two…

US Tourists Will Require Visas to Visit Namibia From April 1st

The Namibian government has announced that starting 1 April, 2025, US tourists as well as visitors from more than 30 other countries will be required to obtain a visa on arrival before entering the country. As reported by IOL, the US Embassy in Namibia recently released a notice, which urged travellers from the US to begin…

Air Tanzania to Launch Dar es Salaam-Kinshasa Flights

Air Tanzania has announced a new direct route between Dar es Salaam and Kinshasa from March 26. The service will operate four times a week using an Airbus A220-300. The new route is expected to enhance economic ties, providing business travellers and government officials with a more efficient link between the two countries. The service will…

Malawi’s Mzuzu & Karonga Airports Set to Resume Flights

The long-awaited reopening of Mzuzu and Karonga airports is just three weeks away, marking a significant milestone for northern Malawi. Deputy Minister of Transport Steven Malondera confirmed the exciting news during an inspection of Karonga airport, emphasizing the transformative impact this move will have on mining, agriculture, and tourism in the region. Karonga Airport, which…

SA Tourism Reports “Indaba is On Track”

APTA NewsBy Nurmohamed Hussein March 26, 2025

South African Tourism has asserted that, despite planning challenges in the lead up to Africa’s Travel Indaba (ATI), arrangements for the trade show remain on track. South African Tourism COO Darryl Erasmus acknowledged that forward planning for the event – taking place from May 12-15 – was affected by issues related to the appointment of an events…

Auric Air’s Pilatus PCXII Marks Six Months of Luxury Travel

Auric Air’s Pilatus PCXII private charter service has completed six months of operations, marking a significant milestone in luxury travel across East Africa. Renowned for its spacious and tranquil cabin, eco-friendly efficiency, and ability to access remote destinations, the PCXII has redefined private air travel. With reduced fuel consumption and the capability to land on…

PNW APTA Presents APTA Chapter Global Forum, African Show & Essence of Africa

APTA NewsBy Vicky White March 26, 2025

Welcome to PNW APTA Chapter Presents APTA Global Forum, African Show and Essence of Africa! Get ready to be inspired by three amazing presenters who are set to take you on an incredible journey! First up, we have Jessie Tate, APTA Virtual President, who will unveil all the exciting details about APTA’s Global Forum happening…

The Tanzanite Experience (TTE) is now at The Tunnel, Zanzibar

APTA NewsBy Béryl Corman March 26, 2025

Your journey into luxury, beauty, Tanzanite education, and heritage awaits As you step into Zanzibar-The Tunnel, you are welcomed into a world where luxury, culture, and education seamlessly blend. This space is home to Tanzanite Experience and Safari in Style, two sister brands that bring you an immersive journey through history, craftsmanship, and authentic African…

Uganda Airlines Announces Launch of London Flights

APTA NewsBy Betty Nassuna March 26, 2025

Entebbe-based (EBB) Uganda Airlines (UR) will commence scheduled services to the British capital in May. The airline will offer four flights a week between EBB and London Gatwick Airport (LGW), operated with an Airbus A330-800 aircraft. UR’s fleet comprises two A330-800s and four CRJ900s. The airline had hoped to launch the route last year, but…

Launch of New Chimpanzee Specialist Safari in Uganda: Kibale and Kyambura

The Iconic Chimp Sites of Africa: Kibale and Kyambura Volcanoes Safaris, the pioneer of Great Ape ecotourism in Uganda and Rwanda, is delighted to launch a new chimpanzee safari combining two exceptional wildlife ecosystems: Kibale Forest and Kyambura Gorge. Stay three nights each at the newly-opened Kibale Lodge and the award-winning Kyambura Gorge Lodge on this expertly-curated specialist chimpanzee safari. Participate…

Seychelles Announces New International Sailing Event

Seychelles has officially launched the Seychelles Challenge – a seven-day, six-night sailing event set to take place from July 20-27. Designed to establish the archipelago as a leading sailing destination, the regatta will bring together experienced sailors, enthusiasts and visitors for a multi-island maritime competition. The Seychelles Challenge is being organised by WorldSport and Tourism…

Lalibela Expands by Restoring Farm Land for Wildlife

Lalibela Wildlife Reserve in South Africa’s Eastern Cape is undergoing significant expansion through land acquisitions and ecological restoration efforts. The initiative aims to rehabilitate former agricultural land, restoring natural ecosystems and creating a more balanced wildlife habitat. The process includes clearing a former peach and prune farm where the removal of fruit trees and controlled…

KTB and KQ Intensify North American Market Push

The Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) and national carrier, Kenya Airways (KQ), have entered into a strategic partnership that aims to grow the North American source market by 11% by the close of this financial year. Under the partnership, KQ has extended a 15% discount on published fares from the USA, Canada and Mexico for the…

Conservation Groups and Fishing Industry Strike Deal to Protect Penguins

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has endorsed a landmark agreement that will see key island closures in the Western Cape to protect the critically endangered African penguin. The deal, struck between the fishing industry and conservation organisations BirdLife South Africa and the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds,…

𝗔𝗶𝗿 𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲-𝗞𝗟𝗠 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗲𝗺𝗔𝗶𝗿 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗔𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁

Air France-KLM and CemAir are proud to announce that they have signed and implemented an interline agreement that will expand connections to more destinations across South Africa. Leveraging Air France-KLM’s major gateways in Johannesburg and Cape Town, this strategic collaboration will enable seamless travel between long-haul international flights and regional routes, offering passengers increased flexibility…

Ethiopian Flight Cancellation Notice – EWR & JFK

APTA NewsBy Scott Edkins March 18, 2025

Due to runway restrictions and slot constraints, Ethiopian Airlines announces flight cancellations affecting JFK and EWR routes. Impacted flights and dates are as follows: Affected Flights: Airport Flight Number Days Affected Cancellation Period JFK ET 514 / ET 515 Tuesday, Thursday, Friday April 15 – April 14, 2025 EWR ET 508 / ET 509 Tuesday,…

An Educational Experience: South Africa Golf & Safari

Ascot Tours invites travel agents and tour operators from around the world to join our exclusive familiarization trip, showcasing South Africa as a world-class golf and safari destination. This educational golf tour takes place from 23 September to 5 October 2025. During this trip, you will get the chance to visit and experience the golfing…

Cottar’s Safaris Names CornerSun Destination Marketing Representative for North America

CornerSun Destination Marketing is honored to announce its newest client, Cottar’s Safaris, one of the most iconic names in African safari. Beginning March 15, 2025, CornerSun will represent Cottar’s Safaris in North America, continuing the company’s extraordinary legacy of conservation, hospitality, and unparalleled luxury in the Maasai Mara. For more than a century, Cottar’s Safaris…

Qatar Ups Flights to Durban and East Africa

Qatar Airways has increased its flights from Doha to Durban (via Maputo) from five to seven weekly flights. The airline has also announced frequency increases to several other African cities. Dar es Salaam-Kilimanjaro has seen an increase from three to seven weekly flights, while Entebbe now has 11 weekly flights, up from seven.

New Lionesses Released into Addo

Two lionesses introduced into Addo Elephant National Park’s Main Camp in Colchester on March 3 are now roaming the game viewing section of the park. The two-and-a-half-year-old sisters, from !Khamab Kalahari Reserve, had been acclimatising in a boma since December before their release. The new arrivals bring valuable genetic diversity to Addo’s lion population, which…

Ethiopian Airlines Increases Flights to Nosy Be, Madagascar

Ethiopian Airlines will increase frequencies to Nosy Be, Madagascar, from four to six weekly flights on June 20. The two additional services will operate on Wednesdays and Fridays. Flight ET 837 will depart from Addis Ababa at 10h25 and arrive in Nosy Be at 14h35. The return flight ET 836 will depart from Nosy Be…

EAC Reveals Plans for Next Stage of Joint Marketing

The East African Community (EAC) is intensifying efforts to position the region as a leading global tourism destination through collaborative marketing. This follows the decision to take a joint stand at ITB Berlin this year, representing the region as a single tourism destination. It is the first step in a broader campaign aimed at improving…

Newmark Opens Modjadji Master Suite at Motswari

Newmark Hotels & Reserves has opened the Modjadji Master Suite – a new addition to Geiger’s Camp at Motswari Private Game Reserve in Timbavati. The suite has been designed to accommodate two guests with a convertible lounge area for a family of four within its 139 square metre layout. The design embraces alfresco living –…

Rhino Poaching Declines in 2024 but Kruger Sees Year-end Surge