Telefónica and UNWTO to promote digital, sustainable and inclusive tourism

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Telefónica and UNWTO to promote digital, sustainable and inclusive tourism

Telefónica and the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) have signed a new collaboration framework to promote tourism development that is more digital, sustainable and inclusive. The two organizations will focus on three strategic axes of digital transformation: nurturing global and regional innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystems; boosting technological adoption in tourism; and promoting capacity building for a more digital, sustainable and competitive tourism sector that leaves no one behind.

Telefónica Tech and the UNWTO will promote the ‘Digital Futures’ programme, which seeks to accelerate the tourism sector’s economic recovery by scaling up small and medium-sized enterprises with the incorporation of new technologies such as big data, IoT, AI, blockchain, cybersecurity and cloud-based solutions.

Wayra Hispam, Telefónica’s open innovation area, is collaborating in the development of the World Tourism Organization’s Community Tourism Innovation Challenge in Colombia. The challenge aims to identify disruptive projects that help enhance the sustainability of the tourism sector.

Training processes will also be addressed so that employees can develop and take advantage of all the potential that digitalization brings to the tourism industry. Training cycles will be carried out on the application of technologies to tourism.

Telefónica is one of the world’s leading telecommunications service providers. The company offers fixed and mobile connectivity services, as well as a wide range of digital services for individuals and businesses. It is present in Europe and Latin America, where it has more than 383 million customers.

Sub-Saharan Africa just hit 100 World Heritage Sites. UNESCO says that’s not enough

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Sub-Saharan Africa just hit 100 World Heritage Sites. UNESCO says that’s not enough

Africa’s cultural and natural heritage has been recognized by UNESCO with the addition of five new locations to the list of World Heritage Sites. These sites include Nyungwe National Park in Rwanda, the Bale Mountains National Park and Gedeo Cultural Landscape in Ethiopia, and the Forest Massif of Odzala-Kokoua in the Republic of Congo.

Despite this progress, sub-Saharan Africa still has a long way to go when it comes to recognition of its heritage. There are currently 1,199 World Heritage sites, but only 103 of those are located in Africa. Additionally, Africa has a higher percentage of World Heritage sites in danger than any other continent.

UNESCO has announced a new plan called “Priority Africa” to boost identification and preservation of cultural and natural heritage sites across the continent. The goal of the plan is to ensure that most African countries without a World Heritage Site have at least started preparing a nomination dossier by 2025.

One of the challenges that African countries face in nominating sites for World Heritage status is the long and expensive process. It takes at least two years for a site to go from nomination to inscription on the list, and the process can demand resources that some nations simply do not have.

Another challenge is that some countries have been slow to ratify the 1972 World Heritage convention, which allows them to submit applications for World Heritage status. Somalia, for example, only ratified the convention in 2020.

UNESCO is working to address these challenges by providing training and resources to help African countries identify and nominate sites for World Heritage status. The organization is also working to reduce the number of African sites listed as “World Heritage in Danger.” Currently, 15 sites in UNESCO’s Africa tally are listed as in danger, and UNESCO wants to work with its partners to halve that number by 2029.

FlyNamibia to triple regional destinations with new routes to Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Angola

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FlyNamibia to triple regional destinations with new routes to Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Angola

FlyNamibia is set to expand its regional presence by introducing flights to three new destinations: Victoria Falls International Airport (VFA) in Zimbabwe, Maun International Airport (MUB) in Botswana, and Luanda (LAD) in Angola. This expansion will more than triple the airline’s current number of regional destinations.

The new routes are expected to commence in April 2024, although schedules have not yet been released. FlyNamibia’s Managing Director, Andre Compion, has confirmed that the airline is now in the final stages of preparations for the Luanda flights.

The expansion will also see FlyNamibia increase the number of aircraft it operates through Westair Aviation. Currently, the Windhoek-based carrier has four Embraer ERJ-145s in its fleet, all leased from Westair. Additionally, FlyNamibia expects delivery of an ERJ-135, which was previously operated by Air Namibia. It is important to note that FlyNamibia is 60% owned by Westair and 40% by Airlink, and it uses the latter’s 4Z code.

The new destinations will allow FlyNamibia to play a significant role in boosting tourism in Southern Africa by connecting some of the region’s most popular tourist cities. Maun is known as the ‘tourism capital’ of Botswana, while Victoria Falls is one of the most visited destinations in Southern Africa.

The launch of Luanda flights could also position the carrier to serve the thousands of Namibian visitors who travel to Angola, as well as other nationalities connecting via Luanda. FlyNamibia recently launched flights between Walvis Bay (WVB) and Cape Town (CPT), which is currently its only destination outside Namibia.

UNWTO: Africa’s First Communications, Media and Tourism Training Workshop Emphasizes Collaboration and Action

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UNWTO: Africa’s First Communications, Media and Tourism Training Workshop Emphasizes Collaboration and Action

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe – The inaugural Communications, Media and Tourism Training Workshop in Africa, held from November 13 to 15, underscored the growing significance of tourism and the untapped potential for enhancing its visibility beyond the industry itself. This three-day event delved into opportunities for integrating tourism into mainstream discourse while addressing the persistent challenges confronting communities, destinations, and the African region as a whole.

Learning by Doing

Consistent with UNWTO‘s collaborative approach to communications, the workshop prioritized active learning among participants and trainers. To gain a deeper understanding of the importance of tourism and how to effectively communicate its value, the first day commenced with visits to three case studies in and around Victoria Falls:

  1. Tourism for Wildlife Conservation: A visit to the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust provided a firsthand glimpse of community-driven conservation efforts, highlighting instances where tourism contributes to wildlife protection and identifying areas where further contributions can be made.
  2. Tourism for Development: Face-to-face interactions with leaders and members of Umuzi Village shed light on the challenges faced by small destinations in reaping the benefits of tourism, particularly in terms of outreach, communication, and promotion.
  3. Tourism for Nature: The rainforest within Victoria Falls National Park served as a testament to tourism’s ability to support ecosystem preservation, while also emphasizing the need to fully realize the sector’s potential.

These field trips served as the foundation for interactive learning sessions and workshops held on the following two days. The 50 participants, representing 20 countries and diverse backgrounds in communications, destination management, and tourism governance, were tasked with addressing three of the most critical challenges facing tourism communicators today: media pitching, building and maintaining media relations, and framing the narrative around tourism for development.

The workshop benefited from insightful presentations by experts from UNWTO, the media landscape (Meta, Channels TV, TraveMedia Ireland), and leading content creators. These interactive presentations focused on the most pertinent issues, including strategies for placing tourism in the mainstream media, leveraging the power of social media for tourism for development, effective collaboration with the media, and crafting compelling communications that showcase tourism’s significance for culture, heritage, and communities.

Solutions and Discussions

Drawing inspiration from the field trips, participants were challenged to present their solutions to the three key challenges outlined. With a continued emphasis on interactive learning, the diverse backgrounds and perspectives enriched discussions on the most effective methods for pitching tourism to the broader media landscape, collaborating with media in an ever-evolving environment, and transcending the perception of tourism as merely a leisure pursuit.

These discussions not only highlighted the shared goals of diverse destinations but also underscored the gaps in knowledge that remain to be addressed, with UNWTO reaffirming its commitment to providing further media training.

While exploring solutions to enhance tourism’s presence in the media landscape, the workshop also delved into crisis communications, drawing upon the diverse expertise of participants and the insights from the field trips to identify proactive measures and strengthen readiness.

In conclusion, the first Communications, Media and Tourism Training Workshop in Africa effectively demonstrated the power of collaboration and hands-on learning in addressing the challenges and opportunities facing the tourism sector. By fostering a shared understanding of tourism’s significance and equipping participants with practical tools, the workshop has laid a solid foundation for strengthening tourism communications across Africa.

How Travel & Tourism in Africa Could Boost Continent’s Economy by US$168BN Over The Next 10 Years

Miriro Matema
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How Travel & Tourism in Africa Could Boost Continent’s Economy by US$168BN Over The Next 10 Years

At its Global Summit in Kigali, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) (www.WTTC.org), in collaboration with VFS Global (www.VFSGlobal.com), revealed that the African Travel & Tourism sector could add US$168BN to the continent’s economy and create over 18 million new jobs.

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According to the report, ‘Unlocking Opportunities for Travel & Tourism Growth in Africa’, this potential growth is dependent on three key policies to unlock annualised growth of 6.5%, reaching a contribution of more than US$ 350BN.

The report includes a policy package focused on improving Africa’s growth based on air infrastructure, visa facilitation and tourism marketing.

Travel & Tourism is a powerhouse sector in Africa, with a contribution of more than US$ 186BN to the region’s economy in 2019, welcoming 84 million international travellers.

The sector is also essential for employment, providing livelihoods to 25 million people, equating to 5.6% of all the jobs in the region.

Speaking at the global tourism body’s Global Summit in Kigali today, Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “Africa’s Travel & Tourism sector has witnessed an extraordinary transformation. In just two decades, it has more than doubled in value, significantly contributing to the continent’s economy.

“Growth potential for Travel & Tourism in Africa is massive. It has already more than doubled since 2000, and with the right policies could unlock an additional US$168 billion in the next decade.

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“Africa needs simplified visa processes, better air connectivity within the continent, and marketing campaigns to highlight the wealth of destinations in this breathtaking continent.”

According to Zubin Karkaria, Founder & CEO, VFS Global, “We are excited to partner with WTTC to uncover the extensive opportunities that Travel & Tourism offers in Africa.”

“Having established our presence in Africa since 2005 we are today the trusted partner of 38 governments who we serve across 55 cities in 35 countries in Africa.  VFS Global recognises the tremendous potential of Africa and remains deeply committed to supporting the continuing development of travel and tourism to and from the continent.

“This report not only highlights the diverse prospects for economic growth, sustainable tourism, and cross-cultural collaboration but also provides valuable insights for governments to formulate policies and offers businesses a well-defined roadmap for expansion in this thriving market.”

This report delves into the historical journey of the Travel & Tourism sector in Africa. It’s a story of facing challenges head-on, from the Global Financial Crisis in 2008 to the setbacks caused by disease outbreaks, and political instability.

Despite all of these challenges, the Travel & Tourism sector is on a path to recovery.

According to the global body, 2023 is projected to be a year of near-full recovery, only 1.9% shy of 2019 levels, as well as the creation of an additional near 1.8 million jobs.

Opportunities for Africa

The report highlights the opportunities for the sector, which include strategic investments improved connectivity, streamlined visa processes, reducing carbon footprint through low-carbon energy adoption, and enhancing water efficiency.

These could unlock the potential for sustainable growth, job creation, and economic development in the African Travel & Tourism sector.

To access the full report, please visit WTTC Research Hub here.

About VFS Global:

VFS Global is the world’s largest outsourcing and technology services specialist for governments and diplomatic missions. VFS Global is the trusted partner of 70 client governments, operating a global network with more than 3,300 Application Centres in 149 countries. The company has processed over 272 million applications since its inception in 2001. The company manages non-judgmental and administrative tasks related to applications for visa, passport, and consular services for its client governments, enabling them to focus entirely on the critical assessment task. VFS Global has its headquarters in Zurich/Switzerland.

VFS Global is majority-owned by funds managed by Blackstone, the world’s largest alternative asset manager. The Swiss-based Kuoni and Hugentobler Foundation and EQT, a global investment organisation, headquartered in Stockholm/Sweden, hold minority stakes in VFS Global.

Championing Change – WTM Africa Responsible Tourism Awards 2024 entries now open!

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Championing Change – WTM Africa Responsible Tourism Awards 2024 entries now open!
  • Entries open for WTM Africa Responsible Tourism Awards 2024 with deadline set for 1 March 2024
  • 2024 marks the 20th anniversary of the Awards since its inception in 2004
  • 6 categories confirmed for the 2024 edition

Cape Town, 16 November 2023 – WTM Africa is urging responsible tourism businesses to enter their Responsible Tourism Awards 2024, by 1 March 2024.

A significant highlight at WTM Africa, these annual Awards celebrate exceptional organizations, initiatives, and individuals leading by example and raising the bar with sustainable practices.

“Now in its 20th year, the 2024 editions honours two decades of industry changemakers dedicated to making a lasting impact across the continent,” says Megan De Jager, Portfolio Director – Travel, Tourism & RX Africa Marketing.

“Don’t miss your chance to be a part of this prestigious legacy. The WTM Africa Responsible Tourism Awards opens many doors for winners, and even finalists, further drawing a considerable degree of admiration and international recognition.”

Free to enter, all applications will be overseen by an expert panel of judges across six curated categories, which include:

  1. Making Travel Inclusive
  2. Championing Cultural Diversity
  3. Nature Positive
  4. What are you doing about climate change?
  5. Increasing local sourcing – creating shared value
  6. Employing and Upskilling Local Communities

Gold winners in each category will also have the opportunity to compete in the Global Responsible Tourism Awards against finalists from India and Latin America. This year, Africa’s responsible tourism champions won five out of the eight categories.

“Don’t hesitate to enter or encourage someone you admire to submit an application. They could walk away with an incredible award celebrating their hard work while benefiting from the acclaim that goes along with it,” De Jager concludes.

The WTM Africa Responsible Tourism Awards 2024 submission closing date is 1 March 2024, at 23:59 (SAST). Interested participants are encouraged to submit their applications via the WTM Africa website here.

Zimbabwe Shines at World Travel Market London, Highlighting Africa’s Diverse Tourism Potential

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Zimbabwe Shines at World Travel Market London, Highlighting Africa’s Diverse Tourism Potential

The recently concluded 43rd annual World Travel Market (WTM) at Excel in London provided a vibrant platform for showcasing the world’s travel and tourism offerings. From November 5-7, exhibitors from across the globe gathered, transforming WTM into a bustling hub for B2B interactions encompassing destinations, experiences, transportation, accommodation, and technology solutions.

Amidst the diverse array of participating nations, Zimbabwe stood out alongside fellow African and Caribbean countries such as Jamaica, Barbados, Guyana, Egypt, Morocco, Ghana, South Africa, Rwanda, Nigeria, and Malawi. Each country infused the event with its unique charm, fostering an atmosphere of excitement and cultural exchange.

Spearheaded by Tourism Minister Barbara Rwodzi and the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA), Zimbabwe adopted a proactive approach, bringing together a contingent of operators to promote the nation’s allure to an international audience.

A notable emphasis was placed on showcasing African gastronomy from a Zimbabwean perspective, aligning with an initiative championed by the nation’s First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa. Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, His Excellency Retired Colonel Christian Katsande, also lent his support to this promotional campaign.

Zimbabwe’s presence at WTM London marked a significant step forward in promoting its cultural and tourism assets on the global stage. The initiatives spearheaded by Minister Barbara Rwodzi and Ambassador Christian Katsande not only showcased the nation’s offerings but also underscored the importance of cultural pride and international collaboration.

As Zimbabwe continues to position itself as a premier travel destination, these efforts serve as a testament to the country’s commitment to fostering global connections and celebrating its rich heritage.

Victoria Falls Safari Lodge unveils new look

Tourism Growth Watch
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Victoria Falls Safari Lodge unveils new look

Victoria Falls Safari Lodge has a brand-new look following completion of a refurbishment.

The rooms and central areas now showcase the work of local artisans, some of whom worked with recyclable materials. The Buffalo Bar has been enhanced and the MaKuwa-Kuwa Restaurant now has a refreshed dining area.

The main reception area and boardroom, which is ideal for small meetings and has views over the waterhole, have also been enhanced and the library and mezzanine lounge have been given a facelift.

Ethiopian Airlines Agrees to Landmark Order for up to 67 Boeing Jets

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Ethiopian Airlines Agrees to Landmark Order for up to 67 Boeing Jets
  • Agreement for 11 787 Dreamliners and 20 737 MAXs, with opportunity for 36more jets, represents the largest Boeing jet purchase by an African carrier
  • Services collaboration for 787 cabin retrofits to enhance passenger experience

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, November 14, 2023 – Ethiopian Airlines, the largest and leading aviation group in Africa, and its longstanding partner Boeing [NYSE:BA] today announced the carrier has agreed to order 11 787 Dreamliner and 20 737 MAX airplanes with an opportunity for 15 and 21 additional jets, respectively. The agreement, signed by Ethiopia’s national carrier at the Dubai Airshow, represents the largest-ever purchase of Boeing airplanes in African history.

“We are pleased to announce that Ethiopian Airlines has reached a deal with Boeing to place a firm order for 31 ultra-modern airplanes, with opportunity for 36 additional jets,” said Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mr. Mesfin Tasew.

“This order will enable us to modernize and increase our fleet in support of Ethiopian Airlines’ growth plan and our Vision 2035 Strategy. Through this deal, we have solidified our decades-old exemplary business partnership with Boeing. The 787 Dreamliner and 737 MAX demonstrate Ethiopian Airlines’ environmentally conscious decisions and its commitment to serve passengers with the latest technologically advanced airplanes.”

Ethiopian is ordering the 787-9 variant, part of a Dreamliner family that reduces fuel use and emissions by 25% compared to the airplanes it replaces. The carrier is also adding the 737-8 model, which reduces fuel use and emissions by 20% and creates a 50% smaller noise footprint compared to the airplanes it replaces. Both families bring better environmental performance and passenger comfort to their respective markets.

The new commitment positions Ethiopian Airlines to further strengthen and diversify its fleet, which currently includes more than 80 Boeing jets. Ethiopian operates Africa’s largest Dreamliner fleet with a mix of 787-8s and 787-9s. The new 737 MAX order, which will grow the airline’s backlog for the fuel-efficient jet to 50, will be posted on Boeing’s Orders & Deliveries website when finalized.

Boeing and Ethiopian Airlines also agreed to work together to provide cabin modification services for the carrier’s existing 787 Dreamliners. The comprehensive retrofits will enhance the passenger experience with advanced in-flight entertainment and new seats in all cabins, including lie-flat business-class seats from Boeing joint venture AdientAerospace.

“Ethiopian Airlines continues its leadership as one of Africa’s preeminent airlines with this landmark commitment to expand their 787 and 737 MAX fleets,” said Brad McMullen, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing. “Ethiopian was the first African airline to take delivery of the 787, and the Dreamliner family continues to play an integral role in its long-haul fleet. With their decades of experience operating our single-aisle and widebody jets, we appreciate Ethiopian Airlines’ confidence in our products and the strength of our relationship after more than 75 years of collaboration.”

The 787-9 can fly 296 passengers 14,010 km (7,565 nautical miles), in addition to carrying substantial cargo. Since revenue service began in 2011, the 787 family has launched more than 380 new nonstop routes around the world. The 737-8 carries up to 210 passengers depending on configuration and offers a range of up to 6,480 km (3,500 nautical miles).

Boeing’s Commercial Market Outlook forecast for Africa projects the continent will need 1,025 airplanes over the next two decades; more than 70% of commercial deliveries are expected to be single-aisle jets. Africa’s overall air-traffic growth is forecast at 7.4% through 2042, third-highest among global regions and above the global average growth rate of 6.1%.

 

Wonder2Wonder: A New Campaign to Promote Victoria Falls and Cape Town

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Wonder2Wonder: A New Campaign to Promote Victoria Falls and Cape Town

We Are Victoria Falls and Cape Town Tourism have launched a new campaign called “Wonder2Wonder” to promote the two cities and their iconic natural wonders, Victoria Falls and Table Mountain. The campaign features exciting imagery of the two destinations, with a focus on adventure to appeal to active, multi-generational, and younger markets.

A Collaboration Between African Destinations

Earlier this year, the two destination management organisations signed a cooperation agreement in Victoria Falls, setting the stage for forward-thinking collaboration between African destinations. The partnership is a first for Southern Africa and aims to promote both destinations as part of a multi-destination itinerary.

What to Expect from the Campaign

The campaign will run for six weeks and will be promoted by We Are Victoria Falls and Cape Town Tourism, as well as partners in both destinations and the travel trade. The goal is to encourage travelers to visit both destinations on a single trip and to explore the unique experiences that each city has to offer.

A Great Opportunity for New Visitors to Africa

The Wonder2Wonder campaign is an excellent opportunity for new visitors to Africa to begin their journey and develop a passion for more immersive experiences. The campaign is also a great way to promote sustainable travel on the African continent.

Trailfinders UK Amplifies Campaign

Trailfinders UK is working to amplify the campaign through its base of over 16 million clients. Market analysis from the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) in 2022 reveals that the UK, Germany, and France are three of the five “tier one” priority markets for Zimbabwe. The same report also states that 45% of UK travelers with an interest in Southern Africa are between the ages of 18-44, and 35% report having “high income.”

Conclusion

We Are Victoria Falls and Cape Town Tourism are confident that the Wonder2Wonder campaign will be a success. The campaign is a great way to promote both destinations to a global audience and to encourage travelers to explore the wonders of Southern Africa.

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