The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released its latest data on global passenger demand, painting a positive picture for the aviation industry.
Demand Soars:
Passenger demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPKs), surged by 13.8% in March 2024 compared to the same month in 2023. This growth outpaced the 12.3% increase in total capacity (available seat kilometres, ASKs), resulting in a healthier load factor of 82%, a one percentage point improvement year-on-year.
International Travel Leads the Charge:
International travel saw the most significant rise, with demand climbing 18.9% compared to March 2023. Capacity on these routes kept pace, growing by 18.8% year-on-year. This strong demand translated to a higher load factor of 81.6%, a slight increase from March 2023.
Domestic Travel Rebounds:
Domestic travel demand also showed signs of recovery, rising by 6.6% compared to March 2023. While capacity growth on domestic routes was slower at 3.4% year-on-year, the load factor jumped to 82.6%, a significant 2.5 percentage point increase.
Mixed Results for African Airlines:
While African airlines experienced an 8.1% year-on-year increase in demand, their capacity grew faster at 11% year-on-year. This imbalance resulted in a lower load factor of 70.3%, a decrease of 1.9 percentage points compared to March 2023.
Industry Calls for Smooth Operations:
Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General, expressed optimism about the strong demand for travel, expecting it to continue through the peak Northern summer season. However, he emphasized the crucial need for sufficient capacity to meet this demand and ensure a hassle-free travel experience for passengers.
Mr. Walsh urged the industry to address supply chain issues urgently and called for airports and air traffic management to optimize staffing and efficiency. He further highlighted the airlines’ frustration with bearing the cost of delays and cancellations caused by inadequate preparation in other parts of the travel sector, while airlines themselves remain committed to providing customer care and assistance during operational disruptions.
The positive trends showcased in the IATA report suggest a continued recovery for the aviation industry. However, addressing infrastructure and operational challenges will be crucial to ensuring a smooth and successful peak season.
CHICAGO (May 13, 2024) – Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE:H) announced today the first Hyatt hotel in Zimbabwe has opened with the opening of Hyatt Regency Harare The Meikles, marking a significant milestone in the hospitality landscape of the country. The five-star property aims to offer an unmatched guest experience, combining elements of Zimbabwean hospitality with the Hyatt Regency brand’s signature excellence. Guests can expect contemporary rooms, diverse dining options, and an expansive array of amenities and services, to provide an unforgettable stay.
Located in the heart of the vibrant city of Harare, the newly branded Hyatt Regency property was originally established in 1915, offering 312 rooms in its north and south wings, each overlooking distinctive views of Africa Unity Square. The property has long been celebrated for its unparalleled hospitality and timeless elegance. With a rich history and commitment to excellence, Hyatt Regency Harare The Meikles offers guests an exceptional starting point for exploring Zimbabwe’s natural wonders and culture experiences, boasting an eclectic mix of modern architecture, bustling markets, and cultural landmarks such as the National Gallery and the Harare Gardens.
Commenting on the opening, JavierAguila, Group President, EAME, Hyatt said, “We are thrilled to announce the first Hyatt-branded hotel in Zimbabwe, continuing the brand’s legacy in Africa and bringing the Hyatt Regency guest experience to the country. This debut underscores our dedication to growing our brand footprint in new destinations, contributing to the growth and development of the country’s tourism sector, while providing exceptional service and creating memorable moments for our World of Hyatt members and guests.”
TinasheMunjoma, General Manager at Hyatt Regency Harare The Meikles, expressed his enthusiasm for the grand opening, stating, “We are honored to continue the legacy of this esteemed property and bring the renowned Hyatt Regency guest experience to the Zimbabwean market. This grand opening marks a great milestone for the country’s hospitality industry and we look forward to welcoming even more global travelers seeking diverse cultural experiences in Harare by leveraging the track record and expertise of a global hospitality brand.”
Hyatt Regency Harare The Meikles will offer a seamless blend of modern and traditional, featuring state-of-the-art facilities, world-class dining options, and personalized service tailored to meet the needs of every guest. From business travelers to adventure seekers and those looking for a serene getaway, the hotel helps guests immerse themselves in the unique beauty and vibrant spirit of Africa.
Elevated Wellness
Guests can indulge in a relaxing and luxurious spa experience at Hyatt Regency Harare The Meikles. The spa offers a haven for relaxation with a range of services including massages, body wraps, facials, and aromatherapy. Guests longing to disconnect can also relax in the sauna.
Distinct Services and Amenities
The hotel offers a comprehensive selection of services and amenities for guests. The fitness center is equipped with the latest Techno Gym equipment for a full-body workout. Guests can also escape to the tranquil pool deck located on the first floor, with scenic views of the city.
Additionally, Hyatt Regency Harare The Meikles offers versatile meeting spaces suitable for boardroom discussions, grand banquets, and large conferences. With more than 21,527 square feet (2,000 square meters) of available space, the property offers eight distinct meeting spaces with state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment and unique workstations.
Diverse Culinary Offerings
At Hyatt Regency Harare The Meikles, the culinary offerings delight guests looking for a range of dining options, whether it’s a fine dining experience, a live cooking culinary treat, a relaxed afternoon tea, or a refreshing cocktail at the bar.
The Kitchen, a new all-day dining restaurant, overlooks the beautiful Africa Unity Square, and is set to provide wholesome food and an ambiance to match the hotel’s new brand.
For further information, please visit https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/zimbabwe/hyatt-regency-harare/hrerh
The term “Hyatt” is used in this release for convenience to refer to Hyatt Hotels Corporation and/or one or more of its affiliates.
For further information:
About Hyatt Hotels Corporation
Hyatt Hotels Corporation, headquartered in Chicago, is a leading global hospitality company guided by its purpose – to care for people so they can be their best. As of March 31, 2024, the Company’s portfolio included more than 1,300 hotels and all-inclusive properties in 78 countries across six continents. The Company’s offering includes brands in the Timeless Collection, including Park Hyatt®, Grand Hyatt®, Hyatt Regency®, Hyatt®, Hyatt Vacation Club®, Hyatt Place®, Hyatt House®, Hyatt Studios, and UrCove; the Boundless Collection, including Miraval®, Alila®, Andaz®, Thompson Hotels®, Dream® Hotels, Hyatt Centric®, and Caption by Hyatt®; the Independent Collection, including The Unbound Collection by Hyatt®, Destination by Hyatt®, and JdV by Hyatt®; and the Inclusive Collection, including Impression by Secrets, Hyatt Ziva®, Hyatt Zilara®, Zoëtry® Wellness & Spa Resorts, Secrets® Resorts & Spas, Breathless Resorts & Spas®, Dreams® Resorts & Spas, Hyatt Vivid Hotels & Resorts, Alua Hotels & Resorts®, and Sunscape® Resorts & Spas. Subsidiaries of the Company operate the World of Hyatt® loyalty program, ALG Vacations®, Mr & Mrs Smith™, Unlimited Vacation Club®, Amstar DMC destination management services, and Trisept Solutions® technology services. For more information, please visit www.hyatt.com.
About Hyatt Regency
The Hyatt Regency brand is a global collection of hotels and resorts found in more than 230 locations in over 40 countries around the world. The depth and breadth of this diverse portfolio, from expansive resorts to urban city centers, is a testament to the brand’s evolutionary spirit. For more than 50 years, the Hyatt Regency brand has championed fresh perspectives and enriching experiences, while its forward-thinking philosophy provides guests with inviting spaces that bring people together and foster a spirit of community. As a hospitality original, Hyatt Regency hotels and resorts are founded on openness—our colleagues consistently serve with open minds and open hearts to deliver unforgettable celebrations, effortless relaxation and notable culinary experiences alongside expert meetings and technology-enabled collaboration. The brand prides itself on an everlasting reputation for insightful care—one that welcomes all people across all countries and cultures, generation after generation.
MEDIA CONTACTS: Chloe Duncan Hyatt – Middle East and Africa [email protected]
Titled ‘Redefining Hospitality: Trends, Technologies, and Opportunities’, this year’s Hotel and Hospitality Expo Africa will focus on transformative action and the innovations, conversations and changes needed to redefine hospitality on the continent. The expo will be held at Johannesburg’s Sandton Convention Centre from June 11-13.
“The event provides thought leaders with the opportunity to unpack core challenges and concerns facing the sector today,” says Margaret Peters, Event Manager: Food & Hospitality at dmg events.
“Can sustainability and luxury co-exist? How can timeless, authentic design fuse with innovation to deliver aesthetics and functionality? These are just some of the questions asked, and answered, by high-calibre speakers and experts wanting to find intelligent ways of leveraging technology and transformation to meet changing market needs and expectations.”
Key trends discussed at the event include artificial intelligence (AI) and the role of emergent and relevant technologies; sustainability and social responsibility; driving tourism in dollars and moving beyond the singular destination; unlocking new revenue opportunities; OTA versus direct booking engines; personalisation and big data; the growth of the bleisure industry; and attracting investment.
‘Wave of innovation’
“AI is affecting every business, everywhere, and hospitality has an opportunity to step forward and into its wave of innovation to create sustainable change that affects personalisation, decision-making, and growth,” says Peters.
According to her it is also one of multiple trends and shifts in customer needs that’s shaping the future of the sector. “The African Hospitality Confidence Index 2024 found that 92% of customers fit into the bleisure category, 53% use dynamic pricing to optimise revenue, and 89% believe ESG is key to long-term success. Having these conversations is critical to ensuring longevity for the industry as well as opening the doorway to opportunity,” highlights Peters.
The speakers, thinkers, and decision-makers gathering to discuss the reality of hospitality in Africa are some of the leaders in future forward thinking and industry insights.
Jeff Blackbeard, Director of Sectors and Markets at Moore Global, and Lee-Anne Singer, Marketing and Sales Director at The Singer Group, lead the keynote address, focusing on exploring the churning landscape of hospitality in Africa.
They’re followed by Bronwen Auret, Chief Quality Assurance Officer and Acting Chief Marketing Officer of South African Tourism; Steven Louw, CEO of Steyn City; Brett Hendricks, CEO of Motsamayi Tourism Group and Daphne Kruijsse, Area Manager of Booking.com, amongst many others.
“There is a strong demand for quality accommodation but there is also a need for the industry to focus on sustainability and technological transformation. We need to talk about the trends determining Africa’s hospitality journey as a vibrant international destination, capitalising on the growth felt in 2023,” says Blackbeard.
Industry professionals
The event is bolstered by the 2024 Advisory Board which comprises a distinguished collective of industry professionals committed to creating a substantive and well-rounded programme for Hotel and Hospitality Expo Africa.
This year, the Advisory Board is made up of some of the key thought leaders and trend makers that include Neil Hughes, MD of Providence Hospitality; Lee-Anne Singer, Chairperson at FEDHASA Cape; Glyn Taylor, CEO of Oasis Life; and Leoni Andereya, Curator at Radisson Red, amongst many others.
The Advisory Board members are selected for their expertise across key areas that include Chief Operations Officers, General Managers, Chefs, and Interiors.
A full list of speakers and the agenda, as well as registration information, can be found here.
When the COVID-19 pandemic shut down international travel and visits to Zimbabwe’s iconic Hwange National Park plummeted, IFAW had a grave concern: Would fewer people moving through the park make it easier for poachers to escape undetected? And, without the income that tourism brings local communities, would poaching seem more appealing?
Resting lions, Photo: Jürgen Bierlein
Hwange—home to more than 45,000 elephants, 150 other mammal species, and 400 bird species—is a crucial area for wildlife and a key anchor to the Kavango-Zambezi Trans-Frontier Conservation Area. That’s why it’s a vital part of IFAW’s Room to Roam initiative, which secures connected spaces and safe passage for elephants and other wildlife while fostering harmonious coexistence with people.
In late 2019, IFAW signed a memorandum of understanding with Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) to facilitate financial support and technical expertise in managing these protected areas. Improving tourist camps and infrastructure, such as roads, was always one of the main goals because tourism helps the park and local communities earn an income.
But, just a few months later, the industry came to a halt. IFAW and ZimParks immediately refocused their efforts on preventing poachers from seizing the opportunity to profit from animals’ pain. They significantly increased ranger patrols and improved ranger facilities. The Makona ranger base has now been transformed and not a single elephant poaching has been recorded in the IFAW-supported areas since 2021.
Tourists return to Hwange
Having dropped to as low as 10,000 visitors a year during the pandemic (down from more than 40,000 visitors each year prior to the pandemic), entries into the national park are finally back on an upward trajectory. In 2022, more than 30,000 entries were recorded.
International tourists, eager to reconnect with Zimbabwe’s largest wildlife reserve and experience an African safari, are returning to the iconic park, bringing with them much-needed funding that will help rangers continue to protect wildlife.
Loveness Kudiwa, ZimParks Tourism Manager based at Hwange Main Camp, says the post-COVID resurgence has also seen a new trend—the emergence of a more conscious traveller and a preference for camping and wild spaces.
‘Travellers are keen to avoid crowded spaces and seek exclusive safari experiences. This is a welcome development for a destination like Hwange, which offers an authentic, life-enriching safari experience,’ she said.
Long-term benefits from tourism
Tourism facilities in and around the park, such as sanitation and camping infrastructure, have undergone much-needed renovation and upgrading.
Enhancing the park’s appeal, IFAW’s partnership with ZimParks ensures visitors know that the park’s wildlife and communities are protected and receive mutual benefit from living alongside each other.
Nyanga, Zimbabwe, April 29, 2024 – Nyamazi Greens, a picturesque 40-acre campsite nestled in the lush Msasa and pine woodlands of Nyanga, is thrilled to announce the inaugural Nyamazi Bush Festival, set to take place from August 10th to 12th, 2024. Similar to the world renowned Vic Falls Carnival in Victoria Falls in its offering, this exciting event promises an unforgettable experience combining live music, DJ performances across various genres, exhilarating outdoor activities, a diverse food market, and full bar facilities, all amidst the stunning natural backdrop of the Eastern Highlands.
With an expected turnout of 5,000 to 10,000 people, attendees can immerse themselves in the pulsating rhythms of live music and DJ sets, spanning afrobeat, jazz, reggae, hip-hop, sungura and more, curated to cater to diverse musical tastes. From sunrise to sunset, the festival will resonate with beats that ignite the soul and inspire unforgettable moments of joy and connection, kumakomoyo!
For thrill-seekers and outdoor enthusiasts, the Nyamazi Bush Festival offers an array of adrenaline-pumping activities, including quad biking, paintballing, and shooting, providing the perfect blend of excitement and adventure amidst the breath-taking scenery of Nyanga.
Foodies and culinary explorers will delight in the gastronomic delights of the festival’s food market, boasting over 20 stalls offering a tantalizing array of cuisines from around the world. From traditional Zimbabwean fare to international delicacies, there’s something to satisfy every palate.
To ensure utmost comfort and convenience for guests, Nyamazi Green offers tent accommodation options, including serviced weather proof canvas tents with camping mattresses and lanterns and a self-pitching“bring your own tent” options. The campsite is fully equipped with freshwater points, showers, and toilet blocks, providing guests with all the comforts of home amidst the tranquillity of the bush. For those seeking alternative accommodation, Nyamazi Green has partnered with local hotels, including Montclair Hotel & Casino and Bronsbury Park Hotel, as well as cosy lodges and cottages in the area.
In a pioneering move for Zimbabwe, the Nyamazi Bush Festival will be a 100% cashless event, utilising advanced RFID festival tags to enable seamless transactions across the festival site. Attendees can easily load value onto their RFID tags and enjoy hassle-free spending on food, beverages, and merchandise throughout the event.
For the convenience of festival-goers, Nyamazi Green will provide return luxury coach transport from Bulawayo and Harare, complete with trailers for guests to comfortably transport their festival essentials.
Early bird tickets and packages to the Nyamazi Bush Festival are now available with a 15% discount online or through authorised ticketing agents across Zimbabwe. Please note that tickets will not be sold at the gate on the days of the event, and all attendees are required to pre-book their packages and day tickets in advance.
Join us for an extraordinary celebration of music, adventure, and culinary delights amidst the natural splendour of the Eastern Highlands at the Nyamazi Bush Festival. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience.
Cape Town, 24 April 2024– World Travel Market Africa (WTM Africa) wrapped up its 2024 edition with record-breaking numbers, demonstrating a significant surge in global interest towards African travel and tourism. This year saw a 40% jump in buyers compared to 2023, solidifying the event’s status as the continent’s leading travel trade show.
WTM Africa 2024 hosted 705 exhibitors and 5,752 industry professionals from 99 countries. The buyer attendance was notably diverse, featuring strong representation from emerging markets like Greece, Philippines, Switzerland, Singapore, Lithuania, New Zealand, Ghana, China, Japan, and Argentina. This influx of new buyers contributed to the impressive 10,505 pre-scheduled meetings conducted during the event. This expanded reach promises increased investment and awareness for African destinations worldwide.
“The enormous increase in buyers highlights the growing confidence and investment in Africa as a compelling travel destination,” said Carol Weaving, Managing Director, RX Africa. “WTM Africa is a serious business event, and our goal is to facilitate connections that lead to tangible growth for the African tourism sector. This year’s success underscores that commitment, and we are thrilled to see such a positive response.”
A highlight of WTM Africa 2024 was the inaugural African Media Awards, recognising exceptional reporting on tourism, travel, and hospitality in Africa. The awards celebrated the crucial role journalists play in promoting the continent’s destinations and experiences.
The renowned Responsible Tourism Awards, sponsored by the V&A Waterfront, also returned, honouring businesses and initiatives that prioritise sustainable and ethical practices within the travel sector. These long-standing awards align with WTM Africa’s commitment to driving positive change and promoting responsible tourism across the continent. The trophies for the Responsible Tourism winners were provided by Ngwenya Glass.
Additionally, WTM Africa 2024 featured the highly-anticipated Trends Report, providing invaluable insights into the latest industry developments. The event’s speaking programme was a resounding success and brought together the who’s who of the African tourism industry including among others representatives from Cape Town Tourism, Weeva, Singita, the TBCSA and many more. The speaking programme was sponsored by LIFT, who provided flights for speakers and hosted buyers.
New this year was the Brain Box, offering interactive sessions and hands-on learning opportunities for attendees. This innovative addition allowed industry professionals to engage with material in a more immersive and practical manner.
“We are incredibly proud to have launched the African Journalism Awards and introduced exciting new elements like the Brain Box,” added Weaving. “These initiatives, combined with our established programmes, demonstrate our commitment to driving innovation and elevating the African travel industry.”
As WTM Africa looks ahead to 2025, the event remains steadfast in its mission to facilitate business opportunities, foster meaningful connections, and showcase the diverse and captivating travel experiences that Africa has to offer.
Cape Town, 15 April 2024– The winners of the prestigious World Travel Market Africa (WTMA) Responsible Tourism Awards were announced at Africa Travel Week 2024 in Cape Town. Bangu Masisi of Transfrontier Parks Destinations revealed the honorees, celebrating businesses and initiatives that are making a positive impact through responsible tourism practices.
“These awards are integral to WTM Africa’s responsible tourism programme, and spotlighting those that have truly made a difference is important for the encouragement of others to do the same,” said Masisi.
Alderman James Vos opened the awards ceremony, congratulating the winners and emphasising the importance of sustainable business practices in the tourism industry. “When it comes to sustainable business practices, let’s keep pushing those boundaries,” said Vos.
The 2024 awards included six categories, with gold and silver winners presented with trophies created by Ngwenya Glass, five of eight global winners came from Africa in the Global Responsible Tourism Awards in 2023.
Harold Goodwin, WTM Africa’s responsible tourism advisor and one of the judges, said, “Congratulations to the winners. I am also very excited about those acknowledged as ‘ones to watch’ in the awards. Those are often new ideas from new people, and it’s very exciting to see these businesses come to the fore.”
The winners of the World Travel Market Africa (WTMA) Responsible Tourism Awards 2024 are:
NATURE POSITIVE
Gold: Denis Private Island – Seychelles
Denis Private Island was recognised for its holistic approach to sustainable tourism, which prioritises the restoration and conservation of the island’s natural habitats and wildlife. The eco-lodge’s operations fund this work and are driven by the owners’ deep commitment to the Seychelles’ environmental heritage.
Silver: !Khwa ttu San Culture and Education Centre – South Africa
Gold: Grootbos Lodge & the Green Futures College – South Africa
The Grootbos Foundation won a Responsible Tourism Award for leveraging tourism to drive sustainable development. Funded by the business and donors, the foundation has provided training to over 200 graduates, entrepreneurship support to nearly 1,000 individuals, and empowered female biodiversity stewards. These initiatives demonstrate the foundation’s commitment to investing in local communities and conserving the unique fynbos ecosystem.
Silver: Save Wildlife – Uganda
One to Watch: Matoke Tours – Uganda
One to Watch HBD: Príncipe – São Tomé and Príncipe
MAKING TRAVEL INCLUSIVE
Gold: Warrior on Wheels Foundation – South Africa
Warrior on Wheels won a Responsible Tourism Award for its work providing empowering sport and adventure experiences for children with disabilities, changing perceptions and bridging gaps between able-bodied and differently-abled communities. As a not-for-profit reliant on sponsorships and partnerships, Warrior on Wheels has hosted over 89 experiences for more than 100 families since its founding eight years ago.
One to Watch: Bontel Adventures – Kenya
INCREASING LOCAL SOURCING – CREATING SHARED VALUE
Gold: Okavango Gin
Okavango Gin won a Responsible Tourism Award for its sustainable and community-focused practices. The gin uses locally sourced ingredients, is distilled off-grid, and incorporates recycled materials – creating an authentic product that supports the local economy. The company’s innovative approach has driven 75% revenue growth and now employs six people directly, with additional jobs in the supply chain. The judges were impressed by how Okavango Gin captures the essence of the Okavango Delta while delivering a positive impact.
Silver: Muhabura Cultural Experience and Craft Centre – Uganda
WHAT ARE YOU DOING ABOUT CLIMATE CHANGE?
Gold: Ecodrop – Zimbabwe
Ecodrop won a Responsible Tourism Award for its innovative solution to eliminate single-use plastic bottles in Southern Africa’s tourism sector. Ecodrop provides reverse osmosis water dispensers and reusable bottles, removing over 72,000 plastic bottles at Victoria Falls in just ten months. The judges were impressed by Ecodrop’s scalable, destination-level system that reduces waste and petroleum demand, showcasing the viability of this model in tackling plastic pollution in tourism.
Trip to Help, a travel agency in East and North Africa, won a responsible tourism award for its sustainable and ethical practices. The company’s mission is to “Travel Consciously, Sustainably and Fairly,” offering experiences that benefit local communities. Trip to Help ensures 80% of payments go directly to the local economy, and the people they work with earn a living wage. The company also supports over 3,000 children’s access to free education, including English lessons, in Maasai areas, contributing to its industry recognition.
The Gold winners in the WTM Africa Responsible Tourism Awards being presented here now are automatically entered into the Sabre Global Responsible Tourism Awards.
Speaking at the World Travel Market (WTM) Africa conference, tourism expert Marcus Lee emphasised the immense potential of the Chinese travel market and outlined strategies for African destinations to better attract these lucrative tourists.
According to Lee, who is the CEO of China Travel Online, China is projected to see 130 million outbound travellers in 2024, more than double the volume of 2023. “China is back as the world’s largest outbound source market,” said Lee. “We were in lockdown for three years, but now we are poised to lead the global tourism recovery.”
Lee noted that China was the last major economy to reopen its borders, but is now ready to reclaim its position as the number one spender in global tourism. “When Chinese travel, we don’t just buy for ourselves, we buy gifts for our family and friends too,” he explained. “This makes us an extremely valuable source market, even as China’s economy slows down.”
To capture a share of this booming market, Lee stressed that the key priorities for African destinations are easing visa policies and addressing safety and security concerns. “Even buyers at WTM Africa this year couldn’t make it because they didn’t get their visas on time,” he said. “We need to make it as easy as possible for Chinese tourists to visit.”
Destinations that have succeeded in this regard, such as Malaysia, Singapore, and even parts of Eastern Europe, have already surpassed their 2019 Chinese tourist arrival levels, noted Lee. “These places have effectively communicated that they are safe and welcoming for Chinese travellers.”
For Africa, Lee recommended targeting the affluent, luxury-seeking Chinese tourist interested in experiences like wildlife, nature, and cultural immersion. He emphasised the importance of promoting specific regions and attractions, rather than just the continent as a whole.
“Africa is not homogeneous – each destination and region needs to showcase its unique selling points to stand out,” said Lee. “The next peak travel season for Chinese tourists is the summer holiday in July and August, so that’s a prime time to attract these travellers.”
However, Lee pointed out that the number of Chinese visitors to African countries is still relatively low, comprising less than 2% of total outbound Chinese travellers. “There is immense untapped potential here,” he said.
To better cater to Chinese tourists, Lee stressed the importance of providing amenities and services tailored to their preferences. “Chinese travellers don’t often order food from hotel restaurants because they don’t understand the menu,” he explained. “Simple things like having Chinese signage and translations can make a big difference.”
Lee also highlighted challenges faced by Chinese tourists, such as poor Wi-Fi connectivity and long queues upon arrival at airports like Cape Town. “These are the basic things that need to be fixed to become ‘China-Ready’,” he said.
Regarding promotion, Lee noted that Chinese consumers have a vastly different digital landscape compared to the West. “We don’t have access to Google, YouTube, or other platforms that are commonly used globally,” he said. “Reaching the Chinese market requires a dedicated China-focused digital strategy.”
Lee also observed a shift in Chinese travel preferences over the past decade. “Ten years ago, Chinese tourists were primarily interested in shopping,” he said. “Today, they are seeking more immersive, experiential travel – things like visiting local villages and learning traditional cooking techniques.”
Critically, Lee emphasised that language barriers must be addressed, as 95% of Chinese travellers do not speak English fluently. “If your website or brochures are only in English, you’re effectively invisible to us,” he said. “And Chinese tourists are unlikely to complain directly – instead, they’ll write negative reviews that can go viral on social media.”
Lee provided an example of one hotel where the Wi-Fi didn’t work, leading the Chinese guests to check out immediately and warn their friends on WeChat not to book that hotel. “This kind of viral backlash can be devastating,” he warned.
Looking ahead, Lee encouraged African tourism stakeholders to invest in China-Ready certification programmes, develop dedicated Chinese-language digital marketing, and organise targeted roadshows and trade events in key Chinese markets.
“The Chinese tourism market is primed for a comeback, but destinations need to be proactive in their approach,” concluded Lee. “Those who get it right will reap the rewards of this valuable source of visitors.”
The untapped potential of inclusive tourism to drive the growth of Africa’s travel industry was in focus at this year’s Africa Travel Week 2024 part of WTM Africa. A diverse panel of advocates, experts, and tourism suppliers engaged in a discussion, highlighting the significant economic benefits that travellers with disabilities can bring to the continent.
Inclusive travel is a billion-dollar industry that Africa can tap into, and the panellists emphasised the unique spending patterns of this market segment. Travellers with disabilities often spend more, travel with companions, and stay for longer periods, making them a lucrative target for the industry.
According to the World Health Organisation, over 1 billion people worldwide, or 15% of the global population, live with disabilities. This vast demographic encompasses a range of visible and invisible conditions, from mobility issues to cognitive and sensory challenges. As the world’s population ages, with the number of people over 60 expected to double by 2050, the need for accessible travel is only expected to grow.
“It’s not just a social imperative, it’s a financial one,” said Tarryn Tomlinson, CEO of LiveAble. “The onus is on property owners to make their facilities as accessible as possible.”
Panellists highlighted the unique challenges faced by travellers with disabilities, from a lack of information about accessible amenities to physical barriers that limit their ability to fully enjoy their travel experiences. “Disability doesn’t mean the same for everyone,” said Lois Strachan, host of podcast A Different Way of Seeing. “Needs are different, and we need to engage with them to find out what they need. Information about how you can accommodate their needs is the most important thing for travellers with disabilities.” She stated that guesthouses and hotels should incorporate this into their marketing to attract differently abled travellers.
Jabaar Mohamed, the Provincial Director for DeafSA Western Cape, shared the specific challenges faced by deaf travellers, such as being offered wheelchairs at airports despite their hearing impairment. “It’s important for all those that work in hospitality to be trained to ask individual travellers what their needs ae, rather than making assumptions,” he said.
Panelists shared inspiring success stories and best practices from destinations and businesses that have embraced inclusive tourism. Briony Brookes, representing the City of Cape Town, highlighted the city’s “Limitless CT” initiative, which includes features like braille QR codes at street art and audio options on the tourism website.
“We want to appeal to all travellers, not only those that are fully abled,” Brookes stated. “We’ve seen fantastic results since we made small changes to showcase how we are a welcoming and inclusive destination.”
The session concluded with a call to action for the African tourism industry to recognise the significant opportunities presented by the accessible travel market and to work towards making the continent a more inclusive and welcoming destination for all.
World Travel Market Africa 2024 opened with a dynamic Responsible Tourism session, hosted by Responsible Tourism Advisor Harold Goodwin.
Three of the five African winners from the 2023 WTM Responsible Tourism Awards were in attendance to share their inspiring stories and demonstrate the exceptional work being done in sustainable tourism across the continent.
The WTM Responsible Tourism Awards are held during Africa Travel Week and recognise excellence in sustainable tourism practices globally. They have become increasingly important in driving the industry towards a more ethical and environmentally conscious future. Remarkably, all five African winners from 2023 were awarded gold medals in the global competition, proving the exemplary standards within the region.
During the session, Goodwin highlighted the significance of the WTM Responsible Tourism Awards, explaining that the winners were selected because their initiatives are replicable, allowing others in the tourism industry to follow their lead.
Chas Prettejohn from Ngwena Glass, a glass factory in Esmeralda that recycles waste glass into hospitality products, shared the company’s story of achieving all 17 of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals through their work. “Entering the awards has helped us to better tell our story and recognise the incredible work our team has done,” Chas said.
Said Goodwin: “Ngwenya’s brilliant work in turning waste glass into beautiful products is not only an impressive feat of recycling, but their efforts to create a village of small producers around their business is truly inspiring. They are demonstrating how responsible tourism can have a tangible, positive impact on local communities.”
James Fernie from Uthando South Africa, a nonprofit organisation that connects tourists with community development projects in South Africa, spoke passionately about the meaningful exposure he facilitates. “The awards have given us a powerful platform to promote the amazing work of the people we support, and it has led to increased funding and support for their initiatives.”
“What Uthando is doing is exceptional – they are not just raising funds for community projects, but they are building meaningful, lasting connections between tourists and the incredible people doing transformative work on the ground. This is the kind of authentic, respectful tourism experience that we need to see more of,” said Goodwin.
Gulam Sawant from tourism sustainability startup, Weeva, emphasised the importance of the awards in helping them gain visibility and to collaborate with other businesses in the industry.
“Weeva is not only measuring but encouraging transparency from businesses on their year-on-year progress in reducing emissions and improving social and economic benefits to local communities. This came out of their work in Southern Africa, and they are well-funded and have a global impact. What’s most exciting is that Weeva is helping us move away from greenwashing and opaque certificates, and towards true transparency backed by scientific methodology. This is critically important as new EU legislation requires greater accountability from companies,” said Goodwin.
The 2024 Responsible Tourism Awards will be announced on the afternoon of 11th April on the Spotlight Theatre at World Travel Market Africa 2024.
