Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Anand Yedery
Aviation Industry: Frontiers in sustainability - ET TravelWorld
By Anand Yedery In the last few years, sustainable living has piqued the interests of many and rightly so. With the world battling through climate change, industries, corporates and even consumers are increasingly becoming aware while embracing the motto of becoming more eco-friendly or going green.
Source market insight: Africa on most Australasians’ bucket list
Most Australasian travellers have Africa on their bucket list, with wildlife safaris noted as their preferred activity. This was revealed in the first of the UK-based African Travel & Tourism Association (ATTA) market overviews. Rob Gurr from YNotConcepts, ATTA’s Global Rep on the ground in Australia, produced this overview, which further highlighted that Africa was well known as a destination but often seen as an adventurous one.
Golf resorts: which are the best?
Professional golfer and Founder and Managing Editor of Business of Golf Magazine, John Cockayne, provides his insights on some of the local golf resorts featured on the Top 100 Golf Resorts listing. Fancourt, near George in the Garden Route tops the list of the Southern African and Indian Ocean Islands resorts featured in Golf World’s recently published ‘best of list’, with no fewer than seven of the region’s resorts making it into the Top 100 Global Golf Resorts listing.
Pic of the Week: Diving in the Warm Heart of Africa
In a guest blog written for Malawi Tourism by Likoma Island Divers, a recognised Professional Association of Diving Instructors resort, Lake Malawi waters are under the spotlight as offering some of the best diving experiences in the country. Malawi, known as the ‘Warm Heart of Africa’, is home to Lake Malawi. At an altitude of 500m above sea level and with a maximum depth of over 700m, it is the ninth-largest freshwater lake in the world.
Kapama acquires neighbouring property
Kapama Private Game Reserve, near Hoedspruit in the Limpopo province, is increasing its conservation area by expanding its borders and incorporating the 11-room Klaserie River Safari Lodge as part of its property. The neighbouring property on the northern border of the reserve, stretches along the Klaserie River and is home to a variety of wild animals such as leopards, lions, crocodile and hippo along with various types of antelope and other wildlife species that live in the riverine forest.
Renowned carnival returns to Cape Town
Local creativity, talent and festivity will be in the spotlight at the Cape Town Carnival on March 19, set to return after a two-year absence due to the COVID-19 pandemic. From 14h30 to 21h30, each Carnival Hub will host five consecutive shows celebrating the diverse cultures and stories of Cape Town, with clean-up in between each show. Visitors can visit as many hubs as they want and in any order.
Time to normalise travel - Iata
Iata’s announcement of its full-year global passenger traffic results for 2021 show a slow improvement in the fortunes of airlines. The impact of the Omicron crisis in December, on Africa specifically, is also clearly visible. Overall demand, measured in revenue passenger kms (RPKs) fell by 58,4% compared with the full year of 2019. This represented an improvement compared with 2020, when full-year RPKs were down 65,8% on the 2019 figures.
225 women selected for entrepreneurship training Original
Nedbank and South African Tourism have kicked off the second phase of the empowerment initiative to promote black women in tourism. The Women in Tourism Entrepreneurship Training Programme is a development initiative designed to create a knowledge foundation, provide mentorship and, eventually, open markets to black-women-owned small, medium and micro enterprises operating in the tourism sector.
First Tanzanian film showcased on Netflix
An award-winning film, Binti – Swahili for ‘young women’ – produced by an all-women team, became Tanzania’s first-ever Netflix release on January 7. The debut film of Tanzanian film studio, Black Unicorn, tells the story of four women who are connected by their perseverance and strength while struggling with extreme hardship in Dar es Salaam.
Which were the top 12 booking channels in 2021? Original
The global open hotel commerce platform, SiteMinder, has unveiled the lists of distribution channels that over the past year brought the highest booking revenue to hotels in South Africa. The list for South Africa – in line with global trends – reveals a more holistic online commerce strategy, consisting of both new and established methods, is being taken by hotel businesses to reach new customers and produce revenue.
Mango sale process is ‘on track’
Mango Airlines is confident that a suitable buyer with the necessary financial backing to get the airline back in the sky can be secured within the next few weeks. It has also offered interested parties more time to show that they can meet their financial obligations before the February cut-off for binding offers. According to information published on Mango’s website, pre-qualified bidders have until next month to submit their offers.
England and Scotland scrap testing for vaxxed pax
Fully vaccinated international travellers arriving in England or Scotland will no longer need to take any COVID test on day two of their stay, UK Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has announced. The changes come into effect from 04h00 on February 11. Also from this date, unvaccinated travellers no longer have to test on day eight of their stay or self-isolate for 10 days. However, they must still take a COVID test pre-departure and again on day two of their stay.
Travel show to highlight four African countries
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, has been chosen to host the first upcoming Africa’s Eden Travel Trade Show, a four-part conference that will meet between February 2022 and November 2023 in the southern African countries that make up the KAZA region. In celebration of what the KAZA area has to offer both domestic and international tourists, the convention will bring together stakeholders and destination partners from Botswana, Zambia, Namibia, and Zimbabwe.
KAZA stakeholders lobby for standardised testing
As global tourism readies for a third year of navigating complex COVID-19 rules and regulations, the KAZA region of southern Africa is lobbying for standardised testing rules for inbound travellers. As tourists who visit the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area often cross borders to visit the five countries that make up the region, regional standardisation of PCR testing validity would facilitate easier travel throughout the area.
WHO recommends easing/lifting of COVID-19 travel restrictions
The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended that nations lift or ease their existing COVID-19-related travel restrictions, noting that they could exacerbate economic and social stress related to the pandemic. This recommendation was made at the global organisation’s tenth meeting of the Emergency Committee convened by the WHO Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, last week.
‘Gradual but steady return to biz travel in 2022’
Industry can expect a gradual but steady return to healthier and more productive business travel in 2022, according to Bonnie Smith, GM of business travel management company, FCM. “The years 2020 and 2021 will go down in history as the most disruptive years in business travel to date. But the COVID-19 pandemic has also resulted in innovation, resilience and agility.
FEDHASA welcomes review of State of Disaster
The hospitality sector has welcomed the fact that the National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC) is reconsidering whether to uphold the current National State of Disaster. Late last week, President Cyril Ramaphosa, said: “We are examining how best we should handle the State of Disaster in this period where the infections have tapered down and to see the efficacy of using the State of Disaster legislation or utilising other measures.
Poll results: Do away with PCR tests!
A resounding 86% of Tourism Update readers who answered last week’s poll question ‘Are PCR tests a barrier to tourism growth/recovery?’, agreed that this was the case. Around 9% voted ‘no’, while 5% were undecided, voting ‘maybe’. The poll question was posed following news that government was exploring the possibility of doing away with PCR tests and looking at the more affordable rapid antigen test. NPTR headaches?
Hyatt House Sandton marks the debut of the brand in Africa
Hyatt House Johannesburg Sandton marked the debut of the Hyatt House brand in Africa last month, while expanding the brand’s footprint globally in markets that matter most to guests and World of Hyatt members. The property is conveniently located in the heart of Sandton, and Hyatt House hotels’ apartment-style living is ideal for guests who are looking to continue their work and personal routines, helping business and leisure travellers feel at home.
Comment of the Week: Busting the ‘expensive’ myth
Cape Town-based tour operator, Craig Lucke, recently asked Tourism Update readers: “Why is Africa so expensive when Africans are the lowest paid workers on earth?” East Africa Manager at Expert Africa in London, Richard Trillo, said: “Safari camps can appear incredibly expensive, lodges often less so. It's about location, infrastructure and supply issues, and the fact that they are often highly seasonal, and very often small (fewer than 20 guests).
Some relief for airline profitability - report
Pressure on the airline industry’s operating profitability eased in Q3 2021, according Iata’s Airlines Financial Monitor report for December 2021 to January 2022. The report shows that in the sample of 87 airlines, the operating loss improved from 13.6% of revenues in Q2 to 2.6% in Q3, thanks to a gradual improvement in passenger traffic and a booming air cargo business. The industry-wide operating loss was 2.6% of revenues over the July to September period, compared with a 13.6% loss in Q2.
Global tourism up 4% in 2021
Global tourism experienced a 4% upturn in tourists travelling in 2021, compared with 2020 (415 million versus 400 million tourists). This was mainly due to an uptick in domestic travel. International tourist arrivals (overnight visitors) were, however, still 72% below the pre-pandemic year of 2019, according to preliminary estimates by UNWTO. This follows on from 2020, the worst year on record for tourism.
Feelgood Friday: Science camp empowers girls in rural areas
The Conservation Science Camp for Girls in Rural Areas returned recently to Eretsha, Botswana, where 30 girls from Seronga’s Ngambao Junior Secondary School underwent training. They participated in interactive talks and activities focused on nature, biodiversity, and conservation.
5G fall-out averted
The 5G crisis at certain US airports has temporarily been averted, as telecoms service providers have agreed to switch off the 5G service at certain airports for an unspecified length of time, to help avert an airline crisis caused by fears of interference with aircraft instrumentation. See here.
NPTR - letter of demand sent to Mbalula
Inbound tourism association, SATSA, has sent a letter of demand to Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula calling for urgent action to resolve the “unlawful” delays in issuing National Public Transport Regulator (NPTR) licences which is preventing wheels businesses in tourism from operating. Tourism transport services are required to have operating licences and, in some cases, accreditation in terms of the National Land Transport Act 5 of 2009.
Crew shortages slow airline recovery
Crew shortages and recent flight cancellations caused by the Omicron variant have set back the airline industry’s recovery, say aviation analysts. This was the topic at global aviation data specialist OAG’s January 19 industry webinar, ‘Triggering change – factors driving air travel in 2022’. However, they also believe there are new opportunities for airlines and airports where traveller numbers have started to recover.
KZN airport upgrade makes progress
KwaZulu Natal Premier Sihle Zikalala described the progress made in the R72m (€4 172 000) upgrade of Mkhuze Airport as “a welcome booster shot” for the provincial economy. He was speaking on the sidelines of his Operation Siyahlola (‘following up on our commitments’) tour in uMkhanyakude District on Tuesday (January 18), where he inspected the progress made on the construction of Mkhuze Airport and Aerotropolis.
What makes a good hospitality owner/management partnership?
What do independent property owners look for in their partnerships with a hotel management company? ANEW Hotels & Resorts’ property owners share their insights. Patrick Eliot, owner of ANEW Hotel Hluhluwe, believes that synergy is the most important factor when forming partnerships. “The enormous benefits that flow from networking and having partners who keep up to date with every aspect of the hospitality industry is the recipe for success for any owner.
Hot-air ballooning takes off in Rwanda
Royal Balloon Rwanda (RBR) has launched a hot-air balloon experience – a first for Rwanda’s adventure tourism activities. In partnership with the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and Akagera Management Company, RBR will offer the balloon experience in Akagera National Park, where it will operates two hot-air balloons that can accommodate between four and six guests. Flights climb to between 100 metres and 1 000 metres above the park.
Video of the week: Curious giraffe chases safari vehicle
This video of the week, captured by wildlife photographer and safari guide, Matt Yardley, shows a young male giraffe chasing a vehicle full of safari-goers in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. The footage shows Yardley and his team acting in the best interest of the guests, and the animal, by keeping a safe distance while making their getaway.
Belgium drops restrictions against southern Africa
Belgium has joined the growing list of countries around the world reopening to vaxxed travellers from southern African countries. With the travel ban now lifted, fully vaccinated travellers from southern Africa (including those who have been in South Africa in the 14 days prior to travel) are no longer denied entry to Belgium as long as they have the necessary documentation.
‘Be ready - Americans are coming back’
Positive sentiment among US travellers who have safely visited Africa during the pandemic is giving buyers more confidence that volumes are on track to recover to 2019 levels as early as 2023. Africa Travel Week (ATW) attempted to measure visitor sentiment and Africa’s road to recovery in its latest ‘Unlock Africa’ podcast. The recording is just one in a series of talks ATW has hosted with overseas buyers and specialists from key source markets.
SAA is off to Durban! Original
SAA has issued a trade release with the news it is starting Durban flights. The airline said three flights a day between Johannesburg and Durban would commence from Friday March 4. SAA Interim CEO, Thomas Kgokolo said the route was one of the busiest in South Africa and the national carrier had been guided by data in finding the right time to make the decision.
Call to scrap COVID capacity restrictions in CT
Cape Town Mayor, Geordin Hill-Lewis, has written to President Cyril Ramaphosa asking him to scrap the 50% COVID-19 capacity restrictions for outdoor venues, allowing for the full resumption of public, entertainment and sporting events. “I have written to President Cyril Ramaphosa with two specific requests: One, that the 50% capacity rule for outdoor public facilities, like public swimming pools, be lifted entirely.
UK poised to scrap vaxxed arrivals testing
Vaccinated travellers should soon be able to visit the United Kingdom without any testing requirements on arrival, The Times reports. This would also affect UK nationals returning home after travelling overseas. Transport Minister Grant Shapps is reported by UK media to be strongly in favour of ending the testing system entirely for fully vaccinated arrivals. An announcement on the change in guidance is expected to be made next week on January 26.
‘Si’ to SAs, but no tourism
The Italian Minister of Health has announced the end of the ban on entry to Italy by travellers from southern African countries. The ban has been in place since late November, from the start of the Omicron crisis. A Health Ministry announcement was made on January 14, that travellers to Italy from South Africa, Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, Lesotho, Swaziland, and Zimbabwe would no longer be subject to the entry ban.
Airlines scramble to steer clear of 5G
Emirates is the first international airline to announce it has suspended flights from Dubai to nine US airports due to operational concerns associated with the planned deployment of 5G mobile network services at those airports.
Pic of the week: Titanic replica opens for exploration
A replica of the RMS Titanic passenger liner will soon be available to explore at the Flamingo Casino, a Sun International property in the Northern Cape. The ‘Titanic – Ship of Dreams’ exhibition is home to the largest Titanic model in Africa, measuring 8.7m, with cabins and public rooms spread over nine decks. The South African version of the ill-fated liner has covered thousands of kilometres and docked at venues countrywide, and had more than 10 million visitors over the past five years.
5G services spook airlines
Like all airlines, US carriers have had a bumpy ride since 2020, with COVID ‘no-fly’ periods, constrained demand caused by the pandemic and rising oil prices combining into a ‘perfect storm’. But just as they start on the road to recovery, comes a curve ball in the form of a crisis caused by 5G services due to start today.
Are Cape Town prices out of reach for domestic tourists?
With international travel bans negatively impacting inbound tourism ahead of the festive season, attractions and establishments pinned their hopes on an increase in domestic tourism. However, many local attractions – particularly in Cape Town which traditionally caters to international tourists – have come under fire for their high tariffs.
Lodge collection launches new online booking process
Gondwana Collection Namibia has launched a new webstore and booking process. Group Reservations Manager, Anthea Cloete, said the new system not only aimed to simplify the booking process but also had a modern, fresh look and feel. “The site shares the most critical information from the get-go – each lodge’s top attractions, rate per person and availability. Just one further click gives browsers access to more information such as amenities, facilities and activities,” explained Cloete.
US drops mandatory COVID protocols for cruising
The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has elected not to extend its Conditional Sailing Order, which expired on Saturday (January 15). Cruise lines can therefore now treat the organisation’s guidance on COVID-19 measures on board ships as recommendations. “Cruise ships operating in US waters choosing to participate in the programme on a voluntary basis agree to follow all recommendations and guidance issued by CDC as part of this programme,” the CDC continued.
Can domestic travel be industry’s saving grace?
While the final formal figures for festive season bookings have yet to be released – Tourism Update understands from SA Tourism these will be made available soon – there is no doubt that international travel bans had a major impact on both inbound and outbound bookings for the festive season. Even when bans were lifted, very few bookings were reinstated, according to those suppliers Tourism Update spoke to.
W Cape pushes air access amid concerns over pax numbers
The Western Cape Government has expressed concern about the decline in international passenger numbers recorded at Cape Town International Airport since December 2019, with stakeholders committing to working together to address the barriers to growth. The Cape Town Air Access team released the figures on Friday (January 15), which further showed that domestic tourism had increased notably between 2020 and 2021 but also remained below 2019 levels.
Cape Town ride takes visitors sky-high
For adrenaline seekers and tourists alike, the Ski-Hi Ride on the rooftop of the Hotel Sky in the Cape Town CBD offers unmatched views of the City bowl. Extending 146m into the air from the 28th floor of the hotel and travelling at speeds of up to 100km/h, the ride offers visitors a bird’s-eye view of the Mother City. Weather permitting, the chairlift is limited to 10 passengers per ride and is open until 21h00 from Wednesday to Sunday each week, to both hotel guests and outside visitors.
Sisa Ntshona partnering with Dreams
Dream Hotels & Resorts (DHR) has announced that former SA Tourism CEO, Sisa Ntshona, is partnering with the company and is in the process of securing an equity stake in the company via Makhanyakude Holdings, a hospitality management operations consortium. Nick Dickson, CEO of DHR, said Ntshona had been a key player in steering the tourism industry through the devastation caused by COVID-19, and that the company was honoured to have him directly connected to the brand.
December salaries on upward trajectory - despite bans
Salaries for December continued on an upward trajectory, with 30% of the 424 respondents who participated in the monthly informal salary poll conducted by Tourism Update receiving 100% of their salary. Every month in 2021, Tourism Update posed the question: “What percentage of your salary were you paid (this month)?” In November’s poll, 249 participants said they had received 100% of their salary that month. The December results also show that more than 52% earned above 60% of their salary.
Comair and Google Cloud to push digitalisation
Comair – which operates British Airways and kulula.com in sub-Saharan Africa – is collaborating with Google Cloud to accelerate its digital transformation plans. Comair has completed its infrastructure optimisation plans as it migrated six labour-intensive, on-premise data centres to Google Cloud. The migration of traditional IT infrastructure enables the airline to run key workloads that include important financial data, secure customer records, aircraft navigation information, and more.
Poll: Time to do away with PCR tests?
Welcoming the fact that the SA government is considering proposals to scrap expensive PCR tests for fully vaccinated travellers, industry is calling for tourism bodies such as TBCSA and SATSA to lobby for this. “We urgently need to tackle the issue around testing. Many countries do not require fully vaccinated travellers to present a negative PCR result any more when entering at their borders. South Africa needs to follow suit, ASAP.
Feelgood Friday: Smile and See Safari returns to Zim
Imvelo Safari Lodges recently brought its full Smile and See Safari back to Matabeleland, Zimbabwe. In a multinational effort, individuals from Spain, Italy, the United Kingdom, the United States, South Africa and Zimbabwe co-ordinated to carry out dental and optometric procedures for local communities.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Anand
Contact Anand, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack