News from ATTA
News from ATTA consists of a combination of news from the African continent with relevance to African Tourism along with news about ATTA for the benefit of our members.
30 November 2017
Cresta Hotels in Major Upgrade
Cresta Hotels continues to undertake upgrading and renovation work at its various hotels in southern Africa, including Zimbabwe, recently completing project work at Cresta Churchill in Bulawayo and announcing project work for 2018 at Cresta Oasis and Apartments in Harare. When it comes to hospitality in Zimbabwe, there are few operators with the experience and track record of Cresta Hotels.
Read More30 November 2017
New Atta Members this month - November
It gives us a great pleasure to announce new members who joined us in November: Ngamiland Explorations - United Kingdom - www.ngamiland.com Asanja Africa – Tanzania - www.asanjaafrica.com Steenberg Hotel & Spa - South Africa - www.steenbergfarm.com Inyati Game Lodge - South Africa - www.inyati.co.za
Read More29 November 2017
World leaders meet to discuss Zimbabwe
Leaders from across Africa met yesterday to discuss developments in Zimbabwe and wider African security and prosperity.
Read More29 November 2017
Diplomats to Scale Mount Kilimanjaro
EIGHT ambassadors representing Tanzania abroad will climb Mt Kilimanjaro today to experience the challenge of scaling the highest roof of Africa and promote tourism in their places of work.
Read More29 November 2017
New Airport for Uganda's tourism
The UK’s Trade Envoy to Uganda and Rwanda, Lord Popat, led a delegation of business representatives from the Energy Industries Council (EIC) mission to Uganda, this week. The team visited site of the proposed Kabaale International Airport
Read More28 November 2017
UK Minister for Africa in Kenya
Minister for Africa makes first official visit to Kenya to attend the inauguration of President Uhuru Kenyatta. Minister for Africa Rory Stewart visited Kenya from 27-28 November to attend the inauguration of President Uhuru Kenyatta. This was Mr Stewart’s first official visit to the country. The Minister attended the inauguration ceremony and the official inauguration luncheon on 28 November. In the afternoon, Mr Stewart met with President Kenyatta and passed on a message of congratulations from Prime Minister Theresa May, alongside an invitation to the Commonwealth Summit in London next year.
Read More28 November 2017
UK Minister reports on Zimbabwe visit
The visit follows the historic resignation of President Robert Mugabe who had held power for 37 years. On his return Minister for Africa Rory Stewart reported” We’re now at a situation in Zimbabwe where there could be an opportunity for progress so I went to listen and to learn. This was one of the wealthiest countries in Africa. It has incredible human potential, a very educated population and fantastic natural resources. But it is a country which has suffered terribly”
Read More28 November 2017
Nigeria: FAAN to Rehabilitate Enugu Airport Runway Before Christmas
The Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has said that the agency plans to rehabilitate the runway of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu before the high Christmas traffic. This was disclosed by the Managing Director of the agency, Saleh Dunoma who told journalists recently during the ICAO World Aviation Forum in Abuja that FAAN would commence repair work on the bad portions of the runway before the Yuletide celebrations.
Read More28 November 2017
Tourism sector grows by 10.4% in nine months
The Kenya tourism sector recorded a 10.4 per cent growth in the first nine months of 2017, the government announced over the weekend. Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala said international arrivals have been witnessed more at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport Nairobi as compared to Mombasa’s Moi International Airport. JKIA recorded a 11.1 per cent growth receiving 655,569 guests compared to 589,958 in 2016, whereas Moi Airport got 66,699 visitors compared to 65,600 in 2016. “Mombasa grew by only 2 per cent,” said Balala. Balala said the government will work on introducing incentives on investments to encourage new hotel investments across the region.
Read More28 November 2017
Application for Membership - Nyungwe House
Nyungwe House has applied to join Atta. Their membership will be approved if there are not any objections lodged within the statutory 10 day period. (See objection procedure below). One&Only Nyungwe House is situated in a tea plantation on the edge of the Nyungwe Forest National park, the largest Montane Rain Forest on the African Continent and oldest rainforest on earth that boasts 13 primate species including chimpanzees and colobus monkeys.
Read More27 November 2017
Airlink and Safair announce plans to unite
AIRLINK and Safair have announced plans to unite under the umbrella of a new Airlink Group of companies. An application for approval will be made to the Competition Commission tomorrow (Tuesday, Nov 28), and a decision is expected in the first quarter of 2018.
Read More27 November 2017
Tanzania: Mara to Market Tourist Attractions
MARA Region plans to market its tourist attractions in and outside the country, the Regional Commissioner (RC), Mr Adam Malima has said. The plans would make the tourism sector help to boost the regional economy, according to the RC. The plans on table to open up Mara tourism industry among them was to improve road infrastructure, airport and hotels to woo visitors.
Read More27 November 2017
FCO Travel Advice - Uganda - 27.11.2017
Uganda travel advice 27-11-2017 11:31 AM GMT Entry requirements section (Visas) – you can apply for an East African tourist visa which is valid for 90 days and allows multiple entry into Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda
Read More26 November 2017
In Memoriam - Sarova CEO J.S.Vohra
It is with great sadness that I report the death of J.S. Vohra affectionally known as “Pinky”, in a tragic motor accident on Friday in Kenya. He was well known to all the tourism trade, especially in his role as CEO of Sarova Hotels, Resorts and Game lodges attending the exhibition circuit in Africa and beyond.
Read More24 November 2017
Tourism Conservation Fund CEO announced
Satsa and Peace Parks Foundation recently launched the Tourism Conservation Fund, an initiative to encourage and support large-scale and long-term projects that deliver durable socio-economic benefits to rural communities surrounding South Africa’s protected areas.
Read More24 November 2017
Angola-South Africa entry VISA free exemption a big boost for tourism, trade & investment in the Cape
We understand that, as of 1 December 2017, citizens of Angola and South Africa travelling to each other’s countries will be able to enter for a period of 90 days per annum, provided that each visit does not exceed 30 days in total. This development will have a positive effect on business and leisure tourism. It will also open the door for future trade and foreign direct investment.
Read More23 November 2017
FCO Travel Advice - Kenya - 23.11.2017
Kenya travel advice 23-11-2017 16:10 PM GMT Summary - presidential elections took place on 26 October 2017; the inauguration of President Kenyatta will take place in the Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi on 28 November; political tensions are high and demonstrations and clashes are possible throughout the country, particularly in the western region; you should exercise caution and, where possible, avoid travelling around areas where demonstrations may take place
Read More23 November 2017
Uganda tourist arrivals set to surge
The Uganda government anticipates that the country will receive a quarter of a million more tourist arrivals over the next year, from 1.3 million to 1.56 million, according to a strategic report shared at the eighth Tourism Sector Review. During the review, officials said the sector’s earning would jump from $1.37 billion to $1.5 billion in 2018, reported NTV.
Read More23 November 2017
Edo Govt to Re-Brand Culture, Tourism Assets
The Edo State Government is set to rebrand her culture and tourism assets, the Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Diaspora Affairs, Hon. Osazee Osemwengie-Ero, has said. Osemwengie-Ero said the rebranding project is in line with the vision of the Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, which includes revival, preservation and the exhibition of the rich cultural heritage of Edo people on the world stage for tourism receipts.
Read More22 November 2017
Tusk Conservation Lecture Royal Geographic Society London 23 November 2017
The lecture will feature an exciting talk by Michael Keigwin of the Uganda Conservation Foundation and Charles Tumwesigye of the Uganda Wildlife Authority on the conservation challenges and successes at Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda.
Read More21 November 2017
Limpopo Tourism Agency Board announces newly-appointed CEO
Limpopo Tourism Agency (LTA) Board announced its newly-appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Ms. Nomasonto Ndlovu. LTA has been operating without a CEO since the departure of Mr. Ndumiso Matlala in April 2017.
Read More21 November 2017
Atta Africa Financial Update 21.11.2017
Executive summary: Afrika Borwa. South African private equity performance when compared to the listed market counterpart remains ahead by a nose, according to the latest Q2 2017 RisCura-SAVCA South African Private Equity Performance Report.
Read More20 November 2017
FCO Travel Advice - Zimbabwe - 20 November 2017
Latest update: Summary - the political situation is becoming increasingly tense following the televised speech by President Mugabe on 19 November; there are reports of planned demonstrations over the next few days, particularly in Harare; you should continue to exercise caution and avoid large gatherings and any demonstrations.
Read More20 November 2017
Application for Membership - Springbok Atlas Tours & Safaris
Springbok Atlas Tours & Safaris has applied to join Atta. Their membership will be approved if there are not any objections lodged within the statutory 10 day period. (See objection procedure below). Springbok Atlas Tours & Safaris has been one of Southern Africa’s leading tour operators since 1946.
Read More20 November 2017
The British Army combat the illegal trade in wildlife by partnering with African parks and the Malawian Department of National Parks and Wildlife
This summer, a team of seven British soldiers deployed to Liwonde National Park in Malawi to support African Parks’ rangers counter-poaching effort.
Read More20 November 2017
Atta Media Request - Canada's National Post
Serengeti Migration Media Request
Read More17 November 2017
Application for Membership - Camps Bay Views
Camps Bay Views has applied to join Atta. Their membership will be approved if there are not any objections lodged within the statutory 10 day period. (See objection procedure below).
Read More17 November 2017
Rwanda again takes the lead in making it easier to visit the country
Changes to Rwanda’s Immigration Rules Aimed to Draw in More Visitors While traveling through Kigali International Airport was it learned that changes to the country’s immigration rules were imminent, subsequently confirmed when receiving the details these changes are about to bring for visitors to the Land of a Thousand Hills.
Read More16 November 2017
Alitalia resumes 2 African routes in NS18
Alitalia in Northern summer 2018 season plans to resume service to 2 African destinations, subject to Government Approval. Opened for reservation this week, the airline plans to offer flights to Johannesburg and Nairobi.
Read More16 November 2017
US to allow imports of elephant trophies from Zimbabwe, Zambia
US authorities will remove restrictions on importing African elephant trophies from Zimbabwe and Zambia.
Read More16 November 2017
Application for Membership - Afroriginal Tours & Safaris
Afroriginal Tours & Safaris has applied to join Atta. Their membership will be approved if there are not any objections lodged within the statutory 10 day period. (See objection procedure below).
Read More15 November 2017
Seasonal shoals increase shark risk along Cape Town shores
Great white shark activity has increased along Cape Town’s beaches, with the City of Cape Town warning summertime beachgoers to heed the risks.
Read More15 November 2017
Application for Membership - Falcon Africa Safaris cc
Falcon Africa Safaris cc has applied to join Atta. Their membership will be approved if there are not any objections lodged within the statutory 10 day period. (See objection procedure below). Founded in 1990 by Allan Eccles, Falcon Africa remain wholesale Tour Operators committed to providing personal service to the travel trade, both locally and abroad. With over 20 years experience, Allan and Tracy design itineraries into Africa’s leading wildlife destinations, in accordance with client requirements.
Read More15 November 2017
Atta Head Office Memo - Zimbabwe
Following the events in Zimbabwe overnight we have had concern from various members relating to the situation on the ground. We are closely monitoring the developments and sources on the ground in Harare and Victoria Falls are reporting that that the situation is currently calm. We are in contact with news agencies, the FCO and our directors in the region and will issue further updates if necessary.
Read More14 November 2017
New highway along the East African coastline gets financing
The coastal road between Malindi in Kenya and the northern Tanzanian town of Bagamoyo is due to be transformed into a major highway, going by reports received from the African Development Bank.Africa’s development finance bank has already set aside 289 million US Dollars and is presently seeking co-financing to the tune of a further 385 million US Dollars.
Read More14 November 2017
Atta Africa Financial Update 14.11.2017
Executive summary: Trading companies like baseball cards. Jumia - the Nigerian founded online retailer that has aspirations to be the continental Amazon of the Nile - has settled on a three-for-one trade - subsidiary for portfolio company - with Frontier Digital Ventures'.
Read More13 November 2017
Kenyan Tourism Head Joins #7SummitsAfrica Challenge
Kenyan Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala has joined the Mt. Kenya leg of the 7 Summits Africa Challenge presented by Great Migration Camps.
Read More13 November 2017
Tanzania Government scraps Tourist Hotels grading fees
Hardly eight months after tourist hotels grading exercise launched in Tanzania, the government has abolished fees paid by hotel owners to the grading teams.
Read More13 November 2017
West Africa Integrated Travel (WAIT) Launched At WTM 2017
The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) in partnership with the West Africa Tourism Organisation (WATO) has launched a project, West Africa Integrated Travel (WAIT) to connect West Africa seamlessly. The launch event held at the sidelines of the recently held World Travel Market (WTM) in London seeks to promote a joint marketing effort amongst Tourism Boards and Authorities in the sub-region.
Read More10 November 2017
Ethiopian Airlines to launch flights to Buenos Aires
Ethiopian Airlines will launch five weekly flights to Buenos Aires from March 8 next year. The flights from Addis Ababa will route via São Paulo and mark the airline’s sixth destination in the Americas. The flights will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, using B787s.
Read More10 November 2017
Harare airport renamed: Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport
Harare International Airport is set to be renamed Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport at a colorful event to be held on site starting this morning. Zimbabwe Transport and Infrastructure Development Minister Dr. Joram Gumbo confirmed that the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) had recently approved the renaming process since it is a requirement, as all international airports have codes which have to be globally updated. After the renaming, the airport will have its code updated under the new name internationally.
Read More09 November 2017
V&A Waterfront to host Ocean Life Festival
The V&A Waterfront recently announced the launch of its annual Ocean Life Festival - a new endeavour focused on fostering an appreciation and understanding of South Africa's ocean assets. The festival will see a curated programme of events and activations spread across the property between Monday, 27 November and Friday, 8 December.
Read More09 November 2017
More growth expected in tourism sector
THE tourism industry is expected to experience growth in the years to come as opposed to other industries which have been adversely affected by the global economic crisis.
Read More08 November 2017
Eurowings expands intercontinental range to Cape Town, grows long-haul offering
Eurowings has expanded its airline's intercontinental range to include Cape Town, with flights leaving for Cape Town from Cologne/Bonn once a week - with departures late on a Sunday evening, and returns every Monday evening.
Read More08 November 2017
Zambia is the ITB Berlin 2018 Convention & Culture Partner
Zambia, a jewel strategically located in the heart of Southern Africa continues to poise itself as an auspicious destination and it is still largely untouched by tourism exploits. This naturally beautiful country will be the Convention & Culture Partner of ITB Berlin 2018.
Read More08 November 2017
Application for Membership - Natural World Mombasa Safaris
Natural World Mombasa Safaris has applied to join Atta. Their membership will be approved if there are not any objections lodged within the statutory 10 day period. (See objection procedure below).
Read More07 November 2017
Ethiopian airline set to begin daily flights to Z’bar
TOURISTS’ arrivals into Zanzibar Islands are set to increase, thanks to the introduction of Ethiopian airlines daily flights to Zanzibar via Kilimanjaro International Airport from December this year.
Read More07 November 2017
Thebe Tourism Group announces new tourism products
New major tourism projects set to transform South African tourism has been revealed during the World Travel Market (WTM) In London this week. During an intimate breakfast today, attended by global tourism leaders including UNWTO SG: Dr Rifai, Princess Dana of Jordan, and other widely accredited leaders, Thebe Tourism Group CEO Jerry Mabena announced key tourism projects being undertaken by the company in South Africa – unique projects set in iconic locations which visitors to the country can look forward to.
Read More07 November 2017
Atta Africa Financial Update 07.11.2017
Executive summary: The Milost Monster! Milost Global, an Africa-focused private equity firm with Manhattan marble bathrooms has announced it will start shaking the tin for a planned multi-billion-dollar fund, to be Christened the Isolo Fund I.
Read More06 November 2017
Introduction of elephants a step closer to the restoration of a wildlife haven
A small herd of elephants have been introduced to the Samara Private Game Reserve - one of the most significant conservation areas in the Karoo - marking a conservation milestone as these animals return to their historic range. Once the herd, comprising a small family group of six elephants, have settled, they will be joined by a mature bull. Another small family group may be introduced, in time.
Read More06 November 2017
Kenya: KQ Partners With Europe Tour Operator to Boost Tourism
Nairobi — Kenya Airways and KLM have partnered with one of the largest charter airline operator in Europe - TUI to boost tourism numbers in Kenya. The partnership targets tourists taking package trips to Kenya's various top destinations including the coastal towns of Mombasa and Diani as well as the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Read More06 November 2017
Regional mountain hiking project launched in Kigali
Could mountain hiking be the next cash cow for the local tourism sector? The prospects are very high, following the launch of a project that seeks to promote mountain hiking activities in Rwanda and the East African region.
Read More03 November 2017
Ethiopian Airlines plans Buenos Aires March 2018 launch
Ethiopian Airlines from March 2018 is launching service to Argentina, as the airline plans to extend existing Addis Ababa – Sao Paulo Guarulhos service to Buenos Aires Ezeiza.
Read More03 November 2017
Application for Membership - Inyati Game Lodge
Inyati Game Lodge has applied to join Atta. Their membership will be approved if there are not any objections lodged within the statutory 10 day period. (See objection procedure below).
Read More03 November 2017
Intercounty SGR passenger train launched today
Starting today has Kenya Railways’ SGR operation launched a second daily train between Nairobi and Mombasa, connecting several counties along the way.
Read More02 November 2017
Chinese Tourists Showing Increasing Interest in Africa as Number of Inbound Visitors Jumps 7% in Three Years
Tourists from China are showing increasing interest in Africa, a new report from the continent’s leading online travel agency, Jumia Travel has revealed.
Read More02 November 2017
Atta Africa Financial Update 02.11.2017
Executive summary: This year the MasterCard Index of Women Entrepreneurs report was released and it contained interesting news: Uganda has the highest percentage of women business owners in the world (In the world!) - 34.8% to be precise.
Read More01 November 2017
KTF Statement on Kenya's Repeat Presidential Election 01 Nov 2017
Following the Supreme Court ruling on the 1st September which annulled the presidential election results of 08 Aug 2017 a repeat poll was ordered within 60 days and the same was conducted on the 26 Oct 2017. As you may be aware by now and with reference to our last update the main opposition party boycotted the repeat polls.
Read More01 November 2017
Medical Update - Madagascar Plague Update 01 Nov 17
Following media reports relating to the recent plague outbreak in Madagascar we have consulted our Medical Advisor, Dr Richard Dawood who comments
Read More