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Articles by Adrian Funkey
Air Algerie welcomed to SA
Trade partners welcomed Air Algérie (AH) to South Africa last week, with the airline’s inaugural flight between Algiers and Johannesburg. The airline will operate two flights a week on the route from September 21. ALG-JNB is the airline’s 45th international route and its seventh in Africa. The inaugural flight carried a high-level delegation from Algeria, including ministry and embassy officials, the airline’s executive leadership team, and foreign press.
Will BRICS expansion drive tourism? Industry divided
With the BRICS group of countries inviting a further six countries (Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates), to join its ranks next year, we wanted to gauge readers’ response to whether expansion of the economic bloc would benefit tourism. The results of our latest poll show readers are divided, with 35% saying it would be a positive driver of tourism to South Africa, and 34% saying no. The remaining 31% selected ‘Maybe’ as their response.
Makgadikgadi salt pans helicopter experience launched
Desert & Delta Safaris has unveiled a new Makgadikgadi helicopter experience. The two-hour excursion can be booked from Leroo La Tau lodge or as an extension from the sleep-out option. The scenic flights include a visit to the Kubu Island and a chance to touch down and explore this mystical place made up of Gondwanaland rocks, huge baobab trees and ancient remnants from civilizations gone by.
Nigeria Air set to launch in October
Nigeria Air – which aims to be the West African country’s national carrier – will officially commence operations in October, under the management of Ethiopian Airlines. The airline will be owned 49% by Ethiopian Airlines, 46% by Nigerian private investors, and 5% by the Nigerian Government. Ethiopian Airlines CEO, Mesfin Tasew, confirmed the airline’s imminent launch during an interview with Bloomberg TV. He said Nigeria Air would initially operate with two wide-body and six narrow-body aircraft.
TFR confirms speed restriction in KZN nature reserves
Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) has confirmed that a speed restriction is in place for heavy-haul trains transiting through public and privately owned nature conservation areas in northern KwaZulu Natal. This has emerged from questions sent to the rail freight division of South Africa’s logistics utility after a spate of collisions with locomotives killed six impalas, eight buffaloes, a wildebeest and two White rhinos last week.
FlySafair relaunches key Western Cape service
Low-cost airline FlySafair has just announced the relaunch of a key local route to its growing list of local destinations. From September 8, the airline will once again connect the two largest cities in the Western Cape: Cape Town and George. This will be welcome news to both holiday-makers and businesspeople who regularly travel between the two cities. Three flights per week are planned.
‘Adventure tourism can significantly boost rural areas’
Adventure tourism, expected to grow in prominence over the coming years, holds significant potential for South Africa’s rural communities, according to Andre du Toit, SATSA Adventure Chapter Chair and Safari and Tourism Insurance Brokers (SATIB) Head: Business Development. The global adventure tourism market is set to reach R88trn (€4.3trn) by 2032, growing at an annual rate of 28.7%, according to a report by Allied Market Research.
Four feline ‘rangers’ keep pesky rodents under control
Sibuya Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, represented in the UK by Kusa Connect, has recently ‘appointed’ four cats to help control mice and rats on the property. “A standout feature of Sibuya's approach [to sustainability] is the introduction of four adorable cats that play a vital role in naturally controlling mice and rats without the need for harmful pesticides,” Kusa Connect said.
Fastjet ups Bulawayo-Johannesburg frequencies
African low-cost airline, fastjet, will add additional flight frequencies from Bulawayo’s JM Nkomo International Airport (BUQ) to Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport (JNB), starting October 30. The service will increase from a daily service to 12 weekly flights with the re-introduction of a morning service, adding a choice of frequencies and flexibility for travel between these cities.
Guide qualification challenges to be addressed
The tourist guide qualifications in South Africa are set to change, after all the current qualifications expired on June 30.
Travel company enhances Damaraland offering
Namibian conservation travel company, Ultimate Safaris, will officially open its premier private retreat, Onduli Enclave on November 1. Onduli Enclave is a privately serviced and stand-alone villa addition to Onduli Ridge. The villa is separate from the main lodge and will be run independently from it. The villa is located on a private concession in the Doro !Nawas Conservancy in the heart of Damaraland, 20 minutes away from the Unesco World Heritage Site of Twyfelfontein.
New boutique hotel on the cards for historic wine farm
Ground will soon be broken for a new boutique accommodation offering situated within the iconic Blaauwklippen Wine Estate in Stellenbosch, Western Cape. The new development will be managed by Newmark Hotels & Reserves. This follows the signing of a partnership agreement between the Cape Town-based hospitality management company and the historic wine estate outlining that Newmark will manage all accommodation on the farm.
Initiative to maximise aviation development in Africa
Iata and the African Airlines Association (Afraa) have announced that Afraa is to join Iata’s Focus Africa initiative – a collaboration that is expected to lend more strength to the initiative. Focus Africa aims to maximise the contribution of aviation to development across the continent by improving passenger and freight services.
SURVEY: What is the state of luxury travel?
The luxury travel market has rebounded quickly, and we want your insights into its recovery. If you’re involved in catering to luxury travellers, then click here to share your thoughts with us in a brief survey.
Luxury safari camp opens in northern Serengeti
East African accommodation provider, Sisini Africa, recently introduced Lamai Nature Camp, the first luxury safari camp in its collection. Located in the Lamai Triangle of northern Serengeti, Tanzania, the camp offers four intimate luxury tents overlooking the endless plains that are home to abundant wildlife.
How AI will transform the hospitality industry
The hospitality industry is particularly well-suited to benefit from AI, as it can be used to automate tasks, improve efficiency and provide personalised experiences to guests, according to Jose Soares, Director of IT at The Capital Hotels, Apartments and Resorts. However, with its benefits it may bring some challenges too as it could lead to the loss of jobs in organisational and maintenance positions, including front-desk staff and housekeeping.
Zim’s premier tourism expo scheduled for October
Zimbabwe's premier international tourism showcase, Sanganai Hlanganani World Tourism Expo, will take place in Bulawayo from October 12-14. The annual event brings together key players and stakeholders in the global tourism industry, providing a platform for networking and collaboration, while showcasing Zimbabwe's tourism potential. This year's expo celebrates the resilience, dynamism, and untapped potential of Zimbabwe as a premier tourism destination in Africa.
Ellies join in the golfing fun
Professional golf players looked on in awe of the elephants at the Leopard Creek Country Club, overlooking the Kruger National Park, during the Alfred Dunhill Championship last year. The elephant herd can be seen playing in the mud and crossing the Crocodile River, much to the enjoyment of the golfers and commentators. Have a look at the video below:
Mpumalanga parks go cashless
The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) will implement a cashless service system at all its nature reserves and its Visitor Information Centre with effect from September 1. The cashless service promotes transactions that do not expose the tourists and the employees to danger. It responds to the control environment that ensures optimal revenue collection, safety of the MTPA employees and the comfort of tourists, who will not need to carry cash with them when travelling.
Speeding train kills 17 - wildlife’s plight spotlighted
Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) has suggested meeting with nature conservationists to formally discuss coal trains driving through the Pongola Game Reserve and reserves in KwaZulu Natal. This follows news that speeding coal trains operated by TFR killed two White rhinos, eight buffalos, six impalas and a wildebeest on Friday, August 18. Tourism Update understands that TFR has an agreement with nature conservation authorities to limit trains driving through the parks to 40kph.
Namibia sees almost double-digit growth
Namibia recorded a 98.1% increase in inbound tourist arrivals last year, according to the 2022 Tourism Arrival Statistical Report released in August. Tourist arrivals grew from 232 756 in 2021 to 461 027 in 2022. This is, however, far from the 1 681 336 foreign visitors achieved in 2019 (pre-pandemic). “With the sector’s recovery gaining momentum, the ministry encourages destination managers, tour operators, and all relevant stakeholders to develop new products, routes, and additional destinations.
BRICS partners commit to growing air connectivity
The BRICS Aviation Working Group conference, held on the sidelines of the BRIC Summit in Sandton, Johannesburg, this week, concluded with a firm commitment to encouraging co-operation, connectivity, and long-term expansion in the aviation industry.
World leaders converge in Johannesburg
The 15th BRICS Summit officially kicked off at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg yesterday (August 22), with the attendance of world leaders having a significant impact on the hospitality industry in the surrounding areas. “BRICS countries can collectively shape global dynamics and, acting together, have the potential to drive significant changes in the world economy and international relations,” said President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa.
Young women make their mark in Kruger
Young women are seizing the initiative and making strides in Mpumalanga’s tourism and hospitality industry, defying the odds in an area where youth unemployment soars as high as 65%. Lwazi Thobela, Vutivi Mthimkhulu and Mampho Makofane have shrugged off the more difficult circumstances that often come with living in rural villages to become active participants in the burgeoning wildlife economy in and around the Kruger National Park.
Tourism and investment potential under the BRICS spotlight
The 15th BRICS Summit’s impact on South Africa's hospitality industry underscores the significant potential for local and international investors. “When global audiences witness South Africa's capacity to flawlessly cater for such a prominent summit, it amplifies the country's credibility as an investment destination,” said Hamza Farooqui, CEO of Millat Investments.
Major convention centre planned for Addis Ababa
Ethiopian Airlines Group and Addis-Africa International Convention and Exhibition Centre (AAICEC) have signed an equity investment agreement to establish an international convention centre in Addis Ababa to host multiple business events. The centre, built by and named AAICEC, is one of the airline’s major national projects to transform the country’s image after it recently held a grand opening of the largest hotel on the African continent – Ethiopian Skylight Hotel in Addis Ababa.
Become accredited to leverage LGBTQ+ market
LGBTQ+ travellers have shown in recent years that they hold high value for tourism businesses and industry can get accreditation to leverage from this growing community of travellers. Travel and tourism brands can become accredited by the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) to showcase support for the LGBTQ+ community and their needs. IGLTA Accredited is a standard of assurance that travel brands are committed to promoting equality and safety for LGBTQ+ travellers.
Mauritius appoints rep for Indian market
AllKnown Marketers (AKM) was recently appointed by the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA) as the island’s representative in the Indian market. The tourism representation company, based in Mumbai, will deliver all trade, marketing and communication activities on behalf of the MTPA throughout the year, highlighting its diverse cultures, traditions, religions, and culinary offerings.
WTM London rings in the changes
World Travel Market London 2023 has announced details of its conference programme, with high-profile speakers and seminars. More than 60 conference sessions are lined up, empowering the global travel community, and reminding them they have the power to change travel. The conference programme will include eight new tracks across three stages over three days, taking place at ExCeL London, from November 6-8.
Tourism key to economic growth for BRICS partners
The BRICS Business Council (BBC) celebrated its 10th anniversary at the Melrose Arch gallery last night (Sunday, August 20), with the BBC Chairperson, Busi Mabuza, noting that the next decade required a more pragmatic and honest approach to collaboration to ensure and economic empowerment for all member states of the BRICS formation. South African Tourism hosted the event to underscore the importance of tourism to economic growth for all BRICS partners.
Kenya closes in on pre-pandemic numbers
Kenya’s tourism sector continues to benefit from the ongoing global recovery, as tourism earnings rose by 31% in the first six months of 2023 compared with the same period last year. Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) data shows that the sector bagged KES152.6bn (€971m) in the first six months, up from KES116.2bn (€739m) in 2022. The earnings improved as visitor arrivals grew from 642 861 to 847 810 in the first half of the year, representing a 32% increase.
Qatar Airways opens Harare office
Qatar Airways officially opened its Zimbabwean office in Harare this month. This follows the launch of the airline’s linked service between Doha and Lusaka and Harare, with thrice weekly flights from Doha on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. In a move to employ locals, Qatar Airways’ cabin crew include Zambian and Zimbabwean nationals.
Ride-hailing service launched in Uganda
Rida, a new ride-hailing service, launched in Kampala and countrywide this month. This new platform is set to bring a level of convenience, safety, and flexible pricing to Uganda’s transportation landscape, offering both cars and moto services. Unlike traditional ride-hailing platforms that rely on fluctuating fees for passengers and commissions for drivers, the Rida app allows both parties to directly negotiate and mutually agree on fares.
Namibia properties reach full recovery levels
Accommodation establishments affiliated with the Hospitality Association of Namibia (HAN) have returned to pre-COVID 19 levels of recovery, recording occupancy rates in July that exceed those of 2019. Average occupancy rates at the 68 HAN establishments during July (traditionally the first month of Namibia’s tourism high season) stood at 61%, surpassing the July 2019 average occupancy figure by more than 1%.
Bookings not severely affected by W Cape taxi strike
In the aftermath of the recent taxi strike in the Western Cape, industry indicated that it had not severely affected bookings to the province. In our latest poll, 72% of readers indicated that they did not experience any booking cancellations due to the strike, and 28% said they did experience cancellations. BRICS tourism boost?
Airlines scramble amid ground handling crisis in Windhoek
Regional and international airlines flying to Windhoek, Namibia this weekend found themselves having to either cancel or re-direct flights or make other contingency plans as the Namibia Airports Company (NAC) evicted British company, Menzies Aviation and – with immediate effect on Saturday, August 19 – announced that local company, Paragon Aviation would commence with ground handling services at the Hosea Kutako International Airport (HKIA) in Windhoek.
Solo travel a growing trend in Africa
Solo travel has been on the rise on a global scale post-pandemic, according to UK-based adventure tour operator, Explore. The company analysed 24 months of global Google data to find out which places solo travellers were most interested in, with African destinations seeing a sharp rise in solo travel searches. “It seems that every generation is feeling the draw of independent travel.
Waterberg lodge introduces luxe overland safaris
Mhondoro Safari Lodge & Villa in the Waterberg has launched its new Overland Safaris product. It offers guided itineraries for small, private groups of up to 14 guests, to Botswana, Zambia, Namibia, and around South Africa. Currently, three different itineraries are offered with set departures between May and September, with a Namibian itinerary to be added next year.
Unruly air passenger incidents on the rise
Unruly passenger incidents on aircraft had increased in 2022 compared with 2021, Iata said in a press release. There was one incident reported for every 568 flights in 2022, up from one per 835 flights in 2021. The most common incident categorisations are: Non-compliance such as smoking; failure to fasten seatbelts; exceeding the carry-on baggage allowance or failing to store baggage when required; consumption of own alcohol on board. Verbal abuse. Intoxication.
Namibia puts new African air routes in focus
AviaDev Africa, the platform dedicated to enhancing African connectivity, has announced that the Aviadev Africa 2024 Conference will take place in Windhoek, Namibia, hosted by Namibia Airports Company (NAC) in June next year. "We are thrilled to host AviaDev Africa in 2024 and welcome industry leaders to experience the wonders of our country for both business and tourism," said Bisey Uirab, CEO of NAC.
FlyCemAir to launch second service to Botswana
South African domestic and regional carrier FlyCemAir has recently announced a new service to Kasane, Botswana, on September 16. The two weekly non-stop flights will operate on Wednesdays and Saturdays between OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg and Kasane International Airport (BBK). The flight schedule is as follows: Flight 5Z0766 departs JNB at 11h40 and arrives in BBK at 13h20. Flight 5Z0767 departs BBK at 14h05 and arrives in JNB at 15h50.
Ellie sculpture highlights anti-poaching efforts in Moz
The YAO Crochet Project, a women-empowered knitting venture that trains the community in the Niassa Special Reserve in Mozambique to crochet and create toys and crafts, has recently created a life-sized, metal elephant sculpture to heighten awareness and stir emotions about anti-poaching efforts in the reserve.
KQ adds another Asian destination
Kenya Airways will launch direct flights to Bangkok (BKK), starting November 21. The airline will offer three weekly flights from Nairobi (NBO) on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, with return flights on the same days. The flights will be operated with the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The flight schedule is as follows: Flight KQ886 departs NBO at 23h45 and arrives at BKK at 13h30. Flight KQ887 departs BKK at 01h00 and arrives at NBO at 06h05. The airline also recently started operating flights to Mumbai.
Videos showcase responsible tourism in SA
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West Coast flower season in full bloom
South African National Parks (SANParks) announced the kick-off of the West Coast National Park (WCNP) flower season this week. "We are excited about this year's flower season and the vibrant blooms are bound to mesmerise every visitor. The abundance of rainfall has worked wonders, and we can't wait to showcase the beauty of our park during August and September," said Charlene Adams, WCNP Park Manager.
Botswana to host forum on culture and creative industries
Botswana is gearing up to host the inaugural AfCFTA Forum on Tourism, Creatives, and Cultural Industries, with the launch to take place during the Africa Tourism Leadership Forum (ATLF) and Awards at the Gaborone International Convention Centre on October 4-6. The emergence of creative tourism reflects the growing integration between tourism and different place-making strategies, including promoting the creative industries.
Swiss/German airlines sign codeshare with Airlink
Lufthansa and SWISS have announced a new unilateral codeshare with Airlink. Now, agents can book clients flying from George, Gqeberha, Durban, or East London on Lufthansa’s long-haul connections to Frankfurt from Johannesburg and Cape Town, all on one booking. Likewise, inbound passengers may also be booked on a single Lufthansa booking from Europe through Johannesburg or Cape Town, then travelling seamlessly onward to their final destination of George, Gqeberha, East London or Durban.
SAA makes headway in rebuilding its European network
SAA has taken an important step along the road towards the rebuilding of its European network. The South African carrier has signed a new codeshare agreement with Lufthansa, with immediate effect. It’s a restoration of the codeshare between the two airlines – the German airline originally had a codeshare with SAA prior to SAA’s collapse into business rescue before COVID.
SA Tourism collaborates on new North Europe campaign
The Netherlands, as the biggest market out of the north Europe hub for South African Tourism – and the fourth largest market out of Europe – recorded 54 083 arrivals from January to June 2023. This number is significant as it places the Netherlands at 93% of its 2019 arrivals numbers. Other markets within this hub are Belgium and Sweden, recording 19 087 and 12 660 arrivals for January to June 2023 respectively.
Tanzania breaks tourist arrivals record for Q1
Tanzania has surpassed 2019 (pre-pandemic) levels for the number of tourist arrivals in Q1 this year. According to data published by the Tanzanian National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the country received 409 082 tourists in the first quarter of 2023, more than the 339 279 arrivals recorded for the same period in 2019. This is also higher than the previous record of 364 886 arrivals in Q1 2018. For the full year in 2018, the country received 1 505 702 tourists, and in 2019, 1 510 151 tourists.
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