News
23 December 2014
Happy Holidays from Atta!
We would like to take this opportunity thank our members and partners for your support this year! Without you we would not be what we are today - a Voice of African Tourism! We wish all our members a very happy and safe festive season and look forward to working with you in the new year. The Atta HQ will close today December 23rd and re-open on Monday, January 5th, 2015. For emergencies only, please call +447917142765 or +442079374408 The first Daily News alert will go out on Monday, January 5…
Read More23 December 2014
Global tourism will exceed one billion travelers in 2014
Global tourism is set to post a new record of over 1 billion trips this year. The UNWTO Tourism Barometer report says a total of 1.1 billion international tourists will have traveled by the end of this year. From January to October 2014, it recorded 978 million overnight stays, a 5% increase on the same period last year. By region, the strongest growth was registered in the Americas (+8%), followed by Asia and the Pacific (+5%) and Europe (+4%). By subregion, North America (+9%) and South As…
Read More23 December 2014
Africa – surfing capital of the world
The continent is touted as the hottest new surf capital of the world, in a new report. With 26,000km of coastline, a new travel report predicts that Africa is tipped to become the surfing capital of the world. According to a wide-sweeping trend report released out of the World Travel Market event in London, researchers say that the African continent is becoming a highly sought-after destination for a growing population of surfers. It’s estimated that the global surfing community numbers …
Read More23 December 2014
And then there were 4 airlines in a row at Victoria Falls Airport...
4 different airlines on the ground at same time in Victoria Falls....what a welcome sight! And still the new terminal and runway to open! Runway in Feb 2015 and Terminal in August 2015. Wonderful for regional tourism. Sent by Atta Southern Africa Director Ross Kennedy
Read More19 December 2014
A county in Kenya woos visitors with battle-field tourism concept
Taita Taveta County is poised to become the first county to fully embrace battlefield tourism, a new concept taking shape. The battlefield tourism concept has gained relevance and a sense of urgency as the world prepared to mark 100 years since the start of World War I or WWI. The war pitted forces from German which ruled Tanganyika against British forces protecting their colonies in Kenya, Uganda and Somaliland. It is different from war tourism, which involves visiting active war zones often …
Read More18 December 2014
City tourism important for East Africa
East Africa’s capital cities of Nairobi and Kigali, and also Kampala and Tanzania’s commercial capital of Dar es Salaam will hopefully sit down with their respective tourism boards to read, evaluate, and discuss the report the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) just released on city tourism, and the potential impact this niche market can have on the economy of the city if not the country. Popular for many decades already in Europe and North America, where mini vacations, oft…
Read More18 December 2014
Ethiopia set to expand airports
Ethiopia is set to expand its airport reach with construction of three airport runways in three major regional cites, with a capacity to host big jets like B737. The Ethiopian Airports Enterprise (EAE) the state company tasked with expanding and supervising Ethiopia’s increasing airports signed a $68.5 million (1.37 billion Ethiopian Birr) with three local firms who won tenders for the construction of three airport runways, on December 11, 2014. The Runways which will each have 2,500 met…
Read More17 December 2014
Atta Africa Financial Update
Executive summary Private equity is buying African infrastructure Africa's sovereign states can only fund about half the expected costs of infrastructure in Africa and private financing is becoming increasingly crucial. Infrastructure spending across Africa is projected to reach US$180 billion per year by 2025 according to a report by PwC. The report was based on 95 infrastructure owners, public enterprises, funders and construction companies across the …
Read More16 December 2014
TripAdvisor Introduces TripConnect Instant Booking
Every month, millions of travellers come to TripAdvisor to plan the perfect trip. Now, for the first time ever, these travellers can book directly on TripAdvisor with the “Book on TripAdvisor” button. And TripConnectTM Instant Booking gives you an easy way to claim these bookings. - See more at: http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/TripAdvisorInsights/n2518/introducing-tripconnect-instant-booking#sthash.jXjyzXxW.dpuf
Read More16 December 2014
ZTB Eyes EU Tourists
The Zambia Tourism Board (ZTB) has prioritised penetration of the European Union (EU) market to enhance tourism attraction in 2015. The board was targeting a 10 per cent growth rate for 2015 and the move would simulate tourism marketing in the eastern Asian regions of China and India. The ZTB also targeted the United States of America (USA) markets as well as increasing its presence in Kenya, Namibia and other countries in the sub Saharan region. With increased involvement of the private secto…
Read More16 December 2014
SA’s newest low-cost airline set to take off in March 2015
South Africa’s newest low-cost airline, Skywise, was officially launched on 13 December. The airline’s initial flights will be between Cape Town and Johannesburg, with the first flight taking place on 11 February 2015, which will carry school children adopted by the Thembekile Mandela Foundation. The date of Skywise’s maiden voyage is significant given that it was on the same day in 1990 that former President, Nelson Mandela, was released from prison after 27 years. Tic…
Read More15 December 2014
SAA and Etihad to increase flights and routes
South African Airways (SAA) and Etihad Airways have commenced the second phase of strategic co-operation that will see increased flights between South Africa and Abu Dhabi. As part of the extended co-operation, South African Airways will launch a daily service between Johannesburg and Abu Dhabi on 29 March 2015, which will complement Etihad Airways' existing flights between the two cities to offer a combined double-daily frequency on the route. As a result of the co-operation, business a…
Read More15 December 2014
Zambia Tourism Board officially launches domestic tourism campaign
The Zambia Tourism Board (ZTB) has officially launched Green season domestic tourism campaign aimed at encouraging Zambians to go for holidays. The period is meant to help lodges and hotels remain open for the festive season as most of them shut down during this period due to lack of business. Foreign tourists who occupy space in most lodges and hotels opt to spend their holidays at home and that this is the time for local tourists to take up the challenge and occupy lodges. The Zambia Tourism…
Read More12 December 2014
This Week at Atta HQ
This week the Atta update comes from Latin America! Andrea Landaeta, Atta’s Rep in Latin America has just returned from a two weeks familiarisation trip to South Africa organised by one of Atta members, New Frontiers. The Tour Operators invited were from different parts of South America and for most of them the first time to South Africa. The feedback received was overwhelming; everyone was astonished by the beauty of South Africa and very surprised by what they …
Read More12 December 2014
Kenya wins bid to host 2015 WTO Conference
Kenya has won the bid to host the forthcoming 10th World Trade Organisation (WTO) Ministerial Conference scheduled for December, 2015. Member countries of the WTO unanimously made the decision following intense lobbying by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade led by Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed. Turkey, which was also competing to host the conference, withdrew her bid in favour of Kenya. In a letter to the Chairman of the General Council of WTO, the Turkish Government sai…
Read More12 December 2014
Webinar Recording: Saruni Ocean, Kenya
What a great attendance and a great presentation! Please tune in if you have missed a webinar on Saruni Ocean. Webinar Recording: Saruni Ocean
Read More11 December 2014
Webinar Today: The Launch of Saruni Ocean, Kenya
Today at 12pm GMT - The Launch of Saruni Ocean in Kenya Over 140 people have already registered! Don't miss this webinar. If you unable to join us live today, we can send you the recording link, just register at this link: Click here to register for Saruni webinar Saruni Ocean opens on the 15th December 2014 – a new and very exciting beach hotel at the southern most tip of the Kenya Coast just 20 kilometres from the Tanzania border. Please join Riccardo Orizio, the owner of Saruni,…
Read More11 December 2014
Air Zimbabwe to resume Masvingo, Buffalo Range flights
Air Zimbabwe will resume scheduled services to the southern towns of Chiredzi/Buffalo Range and Masvingo on December 16 following a seven year hiatus. Initial services will operate twice weekly using an MA-60. The are Gonarezhou National Park, Agro Tourism, some wildlife conservancies, cultural tourism in Chiredzi. The Zimbabwean national carrier earlier this year resumed flights to the northern resort town of Kariba as it part of plans to redevelop its domestic network.
Read More10 December 2014
Fiona Jeffery Comments: Ignore accessible tourism at your peril
Fiona Jeffery, Atta Industry Relations Director, in Travel Weekly: It’s a misnomer to assume that making travel accessible for all takes massive investment and is difficult to do, says Fiona Jeffery OBE, member of the World Committee on Tourism Ethics In many people’s minds, the business of making it easier for people with physical or sensory impairment to travel and enjoy the experience of travelling is a niche market. Overly challenging and simply not commercial enough. It&…
Read More10 December 2014
SA Incentives for Hotels to Retrofit for Disabled
A day after the UN's International Day of Persons with Disabilities, an innovative and unique hotel was opened in Cape Town - Park Inn Newlands. The 122-bedroomed, mid-market, three-star hotel is designed and built for universal accessibility for disabled people, and a third of staff members is deaf. The hotel is also 40% owned by DeafSA, which has its offices on the first floor. DeafSA has about 800 000 hearing impaired members countrywide. For it, the hotel is a key broad-based empowerme…
Read More09 December 2014
Advertising Space in the Atta Daily News
An exciting new marketing opportunity is now available exclusively to Atta members. Our popular Atta Daily newsletters reach a daily audience of over 1450 globally-based Africa travel specialists. Within each daily newsletter, there is now the opportunity for just one advertiser to exclusively place their message prominently within the design. We have a variety of packages available to you to gain valuable exposure to the industry: ANNUAL WEEKLY CAMPAIGN Place your ad in one Atta Daily News r…
Read More09 December 2014
Infographics: The Impact Of Technology On Travellers
Smartphones, tablets and notebooks are increasing used for every aspect of trip planning, from searching and booking, to post-travel reviews. It opens fantastic growth opportunities for then the industry players as they utilize these opportunity to engage with current and potential customers. With wide-ranging internet use via desktop and mobile platforms, over all stages of the travelers experience, the travel and hospitality industry stakeholders are adapting news marketing strategies. T…
Read More08 December 2014
Webinar: The Launch of Saruni Ocean
Thursday, Dec 11th at 12pm GMT. Please note the time as it is not at usual 2pm Over 100 viewers have already registered for this webinar! Don't miss your spot. Saruni Ocean opens on the 15th December 2014 – a new and very exciting beach hotel at the southern most tip of the Kenya Coast just 20 kilometres from the Tanzania border. Please join Riccardo Orizio, the owner of Saruni, for a webinar at 12 o’clock UK time on Thursday 11th December and learn more about Saruni Ocean and…
Read More05 December 2014
Webinar Recording: Royal Zambezi Lodge
Another successful webinar by a member of Atta! Over 60 travel industry professionals have registered to view Anita Powell (Small World Marketing) and Natalie Clark, a GM of the Royal Zambezi Lodge, giving their vivid presentation about the lodge on the bank of the River Zambezi. If you have missed it, hereis the Webinar Recording: Royal Zambezi Lodge
Read More04 December 2014
Africa’s first Responsible Green VoiceMap Launched
Responsible tourism is about growing a booming industry and at the same time applying the “handbrake” so that it will remain sustainable, says Jan Hutton of Deloitte South Africa. Speaking at the Responsible Tourism conference hosted by the City of Cape Town last week, she cautioned: “The travel industry is under attack; for everything from its carbon footprint to its social costs. How do we align our desire to travel in a more thoughtful way with our conscience? We are all a…
Read More03 December 2014
Tanzania attracting international and regional airlines
Targeting the fast-growing tourism and rising business opportunities in Tanzania, international airlines are looking at best options to fly to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s commercial capital, and Arusha, East Africa’s tourist capital. The coming of Air Seychelles, the official air carrier of the Indian Ocean tourist island of the Seychelles, to Tanzania today, is a testimony of the global airlines program targeting Tanzania’s airspace. Tourism is a leading business which has bee…
Read More02 December 2014
Webinar: Royal Zambezi Lodge, Lower Zambezi, Zambia
14:00 GMT on Thursday, December 4th, 2014 Atta invites you to a webinar on Royal Zambezi Lodge which is located on the banks of the majestic Zambezi River, offering world class fishing, unrivalled game-viewing, magnificent sunset river cruises, professionally guided canoeing trips and one of the only spas in Zambia. Royal Zambezi Lodge is a 5 star luxury lodge overlooking the vast river, allowing the ultimate in comfort and luxury in breathtaking surroundings. With free direct flights to…
Read More02 December 2014
ZTB asks Ministry of Home Affairs to simplify the visa processes for tourists
The Zambia Tourism Board (ZTB) has asked the Ministry of Home Affairs to simplify the visa processes for tourists coming from key source markets across the globe to attract more tourists to the country. ZTB managing director Felix Chaila said some neighbouring countries had already scrapped-off visas or reduced the visa fees for tourists coming from key source markets globally and hence his Board had asked the Ministry of Home Affairs for similar incentives. Mr Chaila said studies conducted in…
Read More02 December 2014
Rwanda Nationals to Get Free Access to Akagera National Park
Akagera Management Company has granted free entry into the park to Rwandan Nationals for a period of three days with effect from 26th November 2014, in celebration of 80 years of conservation. The Akagera was established as a National Park in 1934. For most Rwandans, Akagera is a firm favourite, with nationals making up 50% of park visitors amounting to over 10,000 people so far the year 2014. Outside of Rwanda, knowledge of tourism and conservation within the country might be dominated by the…
Read More01 December 2014
Kenya to establish Tourism Inter-Ministerial Committee to be chaired by the President
Establishment of Tourism Inter-Ministerial Committee The Kenyan Cabinet approved the creation of an Inter-Ministerial Committee to revamp the Tourism Sector which is currently facing challenges due to international terrorism and travel advisories in the source markets. The committee to be chaired by H.E. the President will work with industry players to put in place measures to ensure the Tourism Industry is back on track. In this regard, the committee will seek to operationalize the stimulus p…
Read More01 December 2014
Ethiopian Airlines launches Mobile SMS Communication
Ethiopian Airlines announced the commencement of its Mobile Short Message Service (SMS) information system for easy access to flight information and cargo tracking for customers which started November 21, 2014. The service makes it easier than ever for Ethiopian customers to check flight status and cargo shipment information by sending a mobile short code SMS text to 8611 messaging number. This is part of a project called “Mobility” which will enable customers to conduct full trans…
Read More01 December 2014
Operators see brighter days for Africa tourism in 2015
This year has not been as easy one for the travel industry in Africa. The Ebola epidemic, although contained to West Africa, had a devastating impact on travel to the entire continent. Tour operators are confident, however, that 2015 will be a successful year for travel to Africa. They explain travelers have increasingly started becoming curious, active and engaged with the world around them. They want authentic and unique experiences, and what better continent to offer this than Africa? The…
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