Africa

Progress Finally Being Made on a Single African Passport

Richard Holmes, Skift

Will 2019 be the year that the African Union passport is made freely available to the continent’s 1.2 billion citizens? Probably not, but technocrats at the 55-nation union say progress is being made.

Will the Nairobi Attacks Dent Kenya’s Tourism Boom?

Richard Holmes, Skift

After this week’s terror attacks in a Nairobi hotel complex, a question mark hangs over the continued growth of Kenya’s lucrative tourism industry. But tourists have been here before, and as long as there are no follow-up attacks, mass cancellations seem unlikely.

A Turnaround at Rwanda’s Oldest National Park Is a Model for Tourism

Pauline Bax, Bloomberg

Tourists pay up to $1,300 a night for steak and luxury suites in a national park full of wildlife that, merely a decade ago, seemed unsalvageable because of poachers. The turnaround by a nonprofit is a compelling example of creative problem-solving for national parks across Africa and the world.

Courting a New Generation of Safari Goers

Colin Nagy, Skift

As African countries continue to grow their tourism markets, travelers are learning that a safari doesn't necessarily have to be a luxury, once-in-a-lifetime thing. Rather, some innovators are creating reasonably priced experiences that can serve as a great entry point for a wider range of visitors.

Cairo Attack Kills Two Vietnamese Tourists

Ahmed Khalil El-Sayed, Bloomberg

Egypt Says Its Giant Museum for Ancient Treasures Will Finally Open in 2020

Brian Rohan, Associated Press

Egypt has a long way to go before it's back to pre-Arab Spring tourism levels. A great, new museum will help, but it's just part of the fix the country needs.

South Africa’s Visa Policy Is Still Hurting Tourism

Richard Holmes, Skift

South Africa's onerous visa regime for minor travelers continues to hobble its all-important tourism industry. Amendments published last month may look like good news, but read them closely and – industry insiders say – not nearly enough has changed.

What the Travel Media Gets So Horribly Wrong About Africa

Colin Nagy, Skift

For being one of the most important business, political, and tourism stories, a lot of Africa coverage tends to only hit a few notes. Here are some ideas on how travel reporting can evolve, and incorporate more voices and add deeper perspectives.

Zimbabwe Is Boosting Tourism Despite Its Ravaged Economy

Colin Nagy, Skift

If you're reading the papers, Zimbabwe's economy looks like a disaster from the outside. But it offers one of the most interesting tourism experiences in Africa at the moment, and intrepid travelers have taken note.

Egypt Plans Hotel Investment Fund as Tourism Rebounds

Manus Cranny and Tracy Alloway, Bloomberg

Good news for those Egyptians who rely on tourism for their livelihoods but the country still has much to do to in order to put the industry on a sound footing.

Ethiopia’s Nascent Luxury Tourism Market Starts to Take Hold

Samantha Shankman, Skift

The question is not whether hoteliers and operators should invest in Ethiopia, but what is best for Ethiopia in balancing these new demands while protecting its people and its profound history and cultures.

Kenya Airways’ New Direct Route Could Boost Tourism to East Africa

Colin Nagy, Skift

A new direct flight from JFK to Nairobi will open up East Africa to business and tourism in positive ways. Travelers no longer need to waste time connecting in London or the Middle East, and both Kenya and surrounding countries will benefit from increased activity.