Tag: africa

South Africa’s popular destination, Table Mountain has been chosen as Africa’s leading tourist attraction at the World Travel Awards 2020. Table Mountain faced stiff competition from Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania, Cape Town Big Six attractions – Robben Island, and the V&A Waterfront. Table Mountain has earlier won the award in 2019 and 2013. Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company (TMACC) in the background has been encouraging the South Africans to cast their votes. With a visitor list touching over 29 million over the decades, the win has cemented the destination’s position ... Read more

Travel and tourism remained one of the key growth drivers of Africa’s economy, contributing 8.5 per cent of the GDP in 2018; equivalent to $194.2 billion. According to the 2019 Jumia Hospitality Report Africa, this growth record placed the continent as the second-fastest growing tourism region in the world, with a growth rate of 5.6 per cent after Asia Pacific and against a 3.9 per cent global average growth rate. “Our focus is to continue showcasing Africa as a continent full of beauty and opportunity. Through this report, we want to help draw attention to the vast potential of the ... Read more

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, posted Africa’s highest average daily rate (ADR), according to the most recent 12-month data from STR. The market will play host to the Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF) on 23-25 September at the Sheraton Addis. From July 2018 through June 2019, Addis Ababa registered an absolute ADR of US$163.79 when measured in constant currency, which removes the effects of inflation. That figure was a 1.1% increase year over year. The next closest STR-defined markets in Africa were Accra Area, Ghana (US$160.34) and Lagos Area, Nigeria (US$132.51). “Addis Ababa continues to maintain high ADR levels when compared internationally,” ... Read more

Though Africa remains a market where hotel real estate investment is typically dominated by development, increasing transactional activity is providing much needed liquidity. However, when it comes to hotel investment in Africa, as with anywhere in the world, various factors and influences are impacting acquisition trends and cycles. “Of these factors, currency fluctuations are but one,” said Daniel Trappler, Vice President Transactions & Capital Markets for specialist hospitality and tourism consultancy firm, HTI Consulting. “Political and economic stability, the threat of terrorism, oil and commodity prices, accessibility and visas; all these remain central issues for tourists, commercial travelers and investors ... Read more

Marriott Mena House Cairo Marriott International has unveiled an enticing offer across 250 hotels and 21 brands in 29 countries across Middle East and Africa. As more and more travelers are increasingly seeking out enriching local experiences, Marriott International is inviting guests to explore spectacular destinations and experiences across the region and save 25 per cent until 30th September 2019. And yes, non-members can join for free and enjoy the benefits! Whether escaping to cooler climates, seeking summer sun or traveling for business, the region’s boundless experiences tick every travelers bucket list. From culinary getaways, a couple’s retreat, family fun, ... Read more

Photo Courtesy: African Arguments Ivorian Minister of Tourism Siandou Fofana on 25 April 2019 presented a strategy document aimed at making Côte d’Ivoire Africa’s fifth biggest tourism destination from 2025 to the African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org) , and sought its support to implement the plan. The document entitled “Sublime Côte d’Ivoire”, was presented to the Bank’s Vice-President responsible for Private sector, Infrastructure and Industrialization, Pierre Guislain, at the headquarters in Abidjan. “We have come to share this new vision for Côte d’Ivoire with the Bank and to secure your help and financial support. We need your help to pool resources ... Read more

‘Miss Curvy Uganda’ organizer Anne Munogma explains the objective of the pageant to Speaker Rebecca Kadaga ‘Miss Curvy Uganda’ pageant is likely to happen as the organizers of the event got positive nod from the country’s speaker Rebecca Kadaga to go ahead with the event. Anne Mungoma, organizer of the pageant has visited the speaker along with the contestants of the event on Wednesday, appealing to give consent to conduct the event. Mungoma told the speaker that they felt offended when critics of the pageant, branded the event as one aimed at promoting sex tourism, which was not true. “We ... Read more

Situated off the eastern coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean, Seychelles is an archipelago of 115 granite and coral islands that will enchant you with its beauty. Blessed with pristine beaches and breathtaking natural beauty, Seychelles has a lot more to offer to the young adventure seekers. Topping it up with visa on arrival that is free of cost for tourists and direct flights from India, this paradise destination makes for a great getaway with your loved ones. Here are some fantastic reasons to visit the paradisiacal islands of Seychelles this year… Enjoy at some of the world’s most gorgeous ... Read more

Emirates and China Southern Airlines have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to progress a comprehensive reciprocal codeshare agreement, which is set to open up new destinations for passengers travelling between China and the Middle East and Africa. The partnership with the Guangzhou-based carrier also allows Emirates’ passengers to enjoy seamless connectivity on domestic flights within China, adding eight new destinations to its global network. The Chinese cities covered by the codeshare agreement include Fuzhou, Chongqing, Kunming, Qingdao, Xiamen, Chengdu, Nanjing and Xi ‘an during the initial phase of the partnership, subject to necessary government approvals. Passengers travelling from China ... Read more

“Continued economic growth in many African countries is driving greater interest in the continent from a tourism perspective but it’s interesting to see that Ghana, in particular, is proving increasingly attractive as a leisure tourism destination,” says Wayne Troughton, CEO of specialist global hospitality and tourism consultancy HTI Consulting. “In many ways this is not surprising,” he says, “particularly considering Ghana’s natural beauty and unspoiled coastline, its cultural and historical heritage as well as it’s relative political safety under the new government elected in December 2016,” he states. “But, in the past, these assets remained largely underexplored by foreign visitors, many ... Read more

Start the New Year by exploring new cultures, relaxing on the beach, or enjoying a city break in popular destinations across Emirates’ extensive network. Fulfil your 2019 dreams of a city break in New York or visit family in Cairo by booking tickets starting today until 22 January 2019 for travel from 10 January until 30 November, 2019. Emirates passengers travelling to the Middle East, Europe, Africa, America, Asia and the Pacific can enjoy Economy Class and Business Class fares starting at: Travellers can also book with Emirates Holidays and enjoy a five-star holiday experience for an additional spend starting ... Read more

Magical Kenya Tourism Expo 2018 Kenya’s tourism marketers have formulated plans to consider Africa as a key regional market to grow its tourism business, a senior official said. “We are actively engaging with travel agents and tour operators in Nigeria to expose them to the diverse tourist offering in Kenya and the rest of East Africa that would be of interest to travellers from Nigeria and the rest of West Africa,” said Betty Radier, Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) CEO. She was talking to the media at the ‘Magical Kenya Travel Expo’ in Nairobi. Radier said bilateral discussions were going on ... Read more

Marriott International reveals Robust expansion plans across Africa. The hospitality major said it is also expecting to increase portfolio by 50 per cent with over 200 hotels and 38,000 rooms by 2023. From the Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF) in Nairobi, Kenya, Marriott International today announced rapid expansion plans across Africa. Strong demand for select-service brands and conversion opportunities are driving the momentum of growth for the company, amplified by five new hotel signings. The new signings will further consolidate Marriott International’s presence in Ghana, Kenya, Morocco and South Africa and mark the company’s entry into Mozambique. The signings put ... Read more

Kericho Tea Plantation (Photo courtesy: jamiiforums.com) Kenya plans to grant loans at discounted interest rates to the hospitality industry to promote green tourism. It was informed by Jonah Ormoi, the chief executive officer of State-owned Tourism Finance Corporation. “We will extend loans at below market rates to the hospitality sector in order to ensure that the tourism sector has a low carbon footprint,” Ormoi said during a forum on sustainable trends in the MICE (Meetings Incentives Conference and Exhibitions) tourism sector. Repayment of the loan should only be started after 24 months from the date of loan.  The authorities expect ... Read more

Pamodzi carnival is one of the major cultural events of Zambia, which showcase traditional dance, food and drink, music and handcrafts. The event is organized by the Department of Arts and Culture, Ministry of Tourism. This year’s carnival is on 18th August 2018 at Lusaka. The event is expected to have participation from international groups with representation in Zambia. The event will also include a section of the traditional festive foods, where highly nutritious Zambian foods and drinks will be offered to visitors.   A handicraft exhibition will also be arranged at shopping malls around Lusaka and in the show ... Read more