The Southern African Times’ Post

Africa Aviation: A Liveline for Tourism and Economies: New air routes are urgently needed in Africa, and national tourism boards should take any opportunity to enhance this for the economic growth of their countries. Africa only has 1.9% of global passenger and cargo air traffic. SOURCE: Africa Aviation: A Liveline for Tourism and Economies BY: eTurboNews | eTN #travelnews

How accessible is South Africa to tourists? It is crucial to assess the challenges and opportunities within our tourism sector. Prof. Elmarie Slabbert, Director of the TREES research unit at North-West University, emphasises the vital role of air access and public transport in enhancing our country’s appeal to international visitors. While South Africa's tourism industry is rebounding, significant hurdles remain. Limited public transport coverage in rural areas and safety concerns can deter potential tourists. Prof. Slabbert highlights the Kruger National Park Airport as a beacon of hope, illustrating how improved air access can promote tourism in less-explored regions. To bolster our tourism economy, accounting for approximately 3% of South Africa's GDP. We must focus on enhancing air capacity and transport infrastructure. Collaborating with stakeholders will be essential to secure more direct flights and improve accessibility across the country. Read more: https://brnw.ch/21wO5Qn #MyNWU #NWUExperts #OTMSA2024

✈ 🛵 Travel Logistics: How do visitors get to and around Uganda and Rwanda? In Rwanda, motorbikes - known as "motos" in Kinyarwanda language - are highly regulated, with every driver and passenger required to wear a helmet. In contrast, motorbikes in Uganda "boda bodas" often ignore traffic rules, reflecting Ugandans' more relaxed approach to life. What other distinctions exist when comparing travel in Uganda and Rwanda? Here are some excerpts from our article: #Uganda: The country’s tourism sites are spread widely, sometimes requiring day-long road journeys, but creative itineraries cleverly link popular destinations in an interesting loop. As leaders in sustainable tourism - and proponents of #slowtravel - we believe that gazing out of the safari vehicle window at daily Ugandan life is an experience in its own right! (Excerpt) #Rwanda: Rwanda's compact size and well-paved roads make it easy to navigate, although English is not as widely spoken as it is in Uganda, making self-driving a bit more challenging. This makes having your own local expert driver guide even more important. (Excerpt) Do you sell tours to Rwanda or Uganda? For more insights, read our "Comparative Guide for Travel Agents Selling Uganda and Rwanda" 👇👇 https://lnkd.in/d_xXUXjF Partner with Matoke Tours Africa DMC to access our local expertise. With over 15 years' experience, we are one of the region's leading, award-winning sustainable tourism companies. #MatokeToursAfrica #Uganda #Rwanda #DMC #ExploreUganda #VisitRwanda #SustainableTravel #ResponsibleTourism #Africa #Safari #TravelAgent PHOTO of a moto in Musanze, Rwanda by dieuvain musaghi Unsplash

The government, represented by the Ministry of Tourism and the Jordan Tourism Board, has signed an addendum to the agreement with Ryanair to resume flights to Amman. This is part of efforts to improve Jordan’s connectivity with key tourist markets. According to the third-quarter report of the Executive Program for Economic Modernization Vision, Ryanair’s flights to Amman will begin in December 2024, marking the start of the 2024/2025 winter season. These flights will be available from six different destinations. Additionally, the route from Paris to Amman has been reactivated since September 2024, with Transavia France operating the flights. The Jordan Tourism Board is also preparing to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Ethiopian Airlines, which operates regular flights between Addis Ababa and Amman, with seven weekly departures. The MOU will include hosting familiarization trips to Jordan for travel professionals from Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, and Brazil, along with joint marketing campaigns. #JordanTourism #AmmanFlights #Ryanair #Transavia #EthiopianAirlines #VisitJordan #TravelToJordan #MiddleEastTravel #TourismGrowth #Jordan2024 #ExploreJordan #DestinationJordan #TourismPartnerships #VisitAmman #JordanTravel #JordanTourismBoard #TravelConnections #FlyToJordan #JordanTravelUpdates #MiddleEastDestinations

Gabon has recently implemented a visa-free travel policy for citizens of 16 countries, including Australia, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa. This move aims to boost tourism, enhance bilateral relations, and stimulate economic growth. By removing visa requirements, Gabon is making it easier for tourists and business travelers from these countries to visit, potentially leading to increased international investment and cultural exchange. #GabonTravel #VisaFree #TourismBoost #GlobalRelations #EconomicGrowth @TravelAfricaMag @GabonGovt @Australia @Saudi_Gov @South Africa

Gabon has recently implemented a visa-free travel policy for citizens of 16 countries, including Australia, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa. This move aims to boost tourism, enhance bilateral relations, and stimulate economic growth. By removing visa requirements, Gabon is making it easier for tourists and business travelers from these countries to visit, potentially leading to increased international investment and cultural exchange. #GabonTravel #VisaFree #TourismBoost #GlobalRelations #EconomicGrowth @TravelAfricaMag @GabonGovt @Australia @Saudi_Gov @South Africa

#Africa is experiencing a tourism boom, with Sub-Saharan countries leading the charge. This was very clear to me while I was attending the International Tourism Fair #Madagascar last month to present our #travel outlook: industry professionals in the audience expressed both excitement and responsibility. The rapid expansion of air travel presents a golden opportunity for the region, but it's crucial that the tourism ecosystem is prepared to meet the rising expectations of international visitors. #Airlines are responding to this surging demand by significantly increasing flight capacity to Sub-Saharan Africa. Seat numbers have soared 10% in the first half of 2024 compared to the previous year, with a projected 7% increase for the peak (northern-hemisphere) summer months. This demonstrates strong confidence in the region's tourism potential. Personally, I am also convinced that this potential is huge, and I am already looking forward to my next trip to this part of the world. Read our latest #blog for more #insights on travel to Africa: https://lnkd.in/dDmHvxvw #traveltrends #tourism #destinationmarketing #destinationmanagement #southafrica #mauritius #tanzania #kenya #Ghana #KSA #saudiarabia #egypt #uae #jordan #lebanon #forwardkeys

Emirates Expands African Network with New Flights to Uganda, Ethiopia, and South Africa Emirates Airlines has strengthened its presence in Africa by expanding flight services to Entebbe (Uganda), Addis Ababa (Ethiopia), and Johannesburg (South Africa). This expansion highlights the airline’s commitment to the continent, enhancing travel options and fostering trade and tourism between Africa and the Middle East. Since launching its first African route to Cairo in 1986, Emirates has steadily grown its footprint and now serves 20 destinations across the continent. With... Read more on the link below https://lnkd.in/g_3R934K

AIR CONNECTIVITY : Transforming Kenya's Travel Landscape . Did you know that improved air connectivity can have a ripple effect on a country's tourism industry? By making it easier for international visitors to reach their destinations, we can boost tourism numbers, generate revenue, and create jobs. The Magical Kenya Travel Expo is a platform for discussing the latest developments in air connectivity and infrastructure. From updates on Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to the expansion of regional hubs, the expo highlights the efforts being made to make travel to Kenya more accessible and convenient. Here's why it matters: >Increased Tourism: Improved air connectivity attracts more visitors, boosting the tourism industry and contributing to economic growth. >Enhanced Accessibility: Regional hubs make it easier for travelers from neighboring countries to visit Kenya, expanding our market reach. >Improved Infrastructure: Investments in airport infrastructure and facilities enhance the overall travel experience, making Kenya a more attractive destination. The Magical Kenya Travel Expo is a catalyst for change. By focusing on air connectivity and infrastructure developments, we are paving the way for a brighter future for Kenya's tourism industry. #MagicalKenya #TravelExpo #MKTE2024 #KenyaTourism #AfricanSafari #ExploreKenya #TravelGoals #BucketListDestination #LuxuryTravel #AdventureAwaits #DiscoverAfrica #CulturalExperience #SustainableTourism #Expo2024

#Adventure travellers are being urged to consider #Northern Pakistan for their next trip following #visa rule changes which make the territory more accessible than ever. The region is set to introduce #free travel visas for 126 nationalities, including the UK, as well as shorten the previously lengthy application process with pledges to deal with and respond to applications within 24 hours. Remaining relatively untouched by mass tourism, Northern Pakistan, specifically Gilgit-Baltistan, is home to arguably the most beautiful mountains in the world. Often considered the ‘mountain paradise’ of Pakistan, it is gaining the attention of hikers, climbers and adventurers across the globe. https://lnkd.in/dpVK5TUy #tourism #Tourisminsights #pakistan #tourismindustry #AtharJ #ecotourism #sustainabletourism #sustainability #sustainabledevelopment #tourismmarketing #60seconds #TourismDay #WorldTourismDay #tourismandpeace