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Africa

IATA Focus Africa to Strengthen Aviation Contribution to African Development

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IATA Focus Africa to Strengthen Aviation Contribution to African Development - TRAVELINDEX - AIRLINEHUB.comGeneva, Switzerland, April 7, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is launching “Focus Africa” to strengthen aviation’s contribution to Africa’s economic and social development and improve connectivity, safety and reliability for passengers and shippers. This initiative will align private and public stakeholders to deliver measurable progress in six areas.

“Africa accounts for 18% of the global population, but just 2.1% of air transport activities (combined cargo and passenger). Closing that gap, so that Africa can benefit from the connectivity, jobs and growth that aviation enables, is what Focus Africa is all about,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.

Infrastructure constraints, high costs, lack of connectivity, regulatory impediments, slow adoption of global standards and skills shortages affect the customer experience and are all contributory factors to African airlines’ viability and sustainability. The continent’s carriers suffered cumulative losses of $3.5 billion for 2020-2022. Moreover, IATA estimates further losses of $213 million in 2023.

Delivering on Africa’s Opportunities

Sustainably connecting the African continent internally and to global markets with air transport is critical for bringing people together and creating economic and social development opportunities. It will also support the realization of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) for Africa of lifting 50 million people out of poverty by 2030. In particular, trade and tourism rely on aviation and have immense unrealized potential to create jobs, alleviate poverty, and generate prosperity across the continent.

Africa has a solid foundation to support the case for improving aviation’s contribution to its development. Pre-COVID aviation supported 7.7 million jobs and $63 billion in economic activity in Africa. Projections are for demand to triple over the next two decades.

“Africa stands out as the region with the greatest potential and opportunity for aviation. The Focus Africa initiative renews IATA’s commitment to supporting aviation on the continent. As the incoming Chair of the IATA Board of Governors, and the first from Africa since 1993, I look forward to ensuring that this initiative gets off to a great start and delivers benefits that are measurable,” said Yvonne Makolo, CEO of RwandAir and first female Chair of the IATA Board of Governors (2023-2024).

Six Critical Areas

“The limiting factors on Africa’s aviation sector are fixable. The potential for growth is clear. And the economic boost that a more successful African aviation sector will deliver has been witnessed in many economies already. With Focus Africa, stakeholders are uniting to deliver on six critical focus areas that will make a positive difference. We’ll measure success and will need to hold each other accountable for the results,” said Walsh.

The six focus areas are:

Safety: Improve operational safety through a data driven, collaborative program to reduce safety incidents and accidents, in the air and on the ground.

Infrastructure: Facilitate the growth of efficient, secure, and cost-effective aviation infrastructure to improve customer experience and operational efficiency.

Connectivity: Promote the liberalization of intra-African market access through the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM).

Finance and Distribution: Accelerate the implementation of secure, effective and cost-efficient financial services and adoption of modern retailing standards.

Sustainability: Assist Africa’s air transport industry to achieve the “Net Zero by 2050” emissions targets agreed to by industry and the UN’s International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) member states.

Future Skills: Promote aviation-related career paths and ensure a steady supply of diverse and suitably skilled talent to meet the industry’s future needs.

The Power of Partnerships

“Partnerships will differentiate the outcome of Focus Africa from previous efforts to stimulate Africa’s development with air transport. By partnering, stakeholders will effectively pool their resources, research, expertise, time and funding to support the common goals of the six work areas,” said Kamil Al Awadhi, IATA Regional Vice President for Africa and the Middle East.

The partners will be announced and join forces in Addis Ababa on 20-21 June to officially launch the Focus Africa initiative with more details for each task area.

The Timing is Right

Africa continues the path to recovery from the COVID-19 crisis. Air cargo is 31.4% over 2019 levels and air travel is 93% of 2019 levels. Full recovery for air travel is expected in 2024.

“The tasks for Focus Africa are not new. Work is already underway as part of the work of IATA and other stakeholders in Africa. But after the financial trauma that the pandemic brought to African aviation, we are at a unique time of rebuilding. By launching Focus Africa now, we can ensure that the recovery from COVID-19 moves aviation to an even better place than we were in 2019,” said Al Awadhi.

Source

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

SA Tourism and VoyagesAfriq to Host Roundtable on Hospitality Investment in Africa

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SA Tourism and VoyagesAfriq to Host Roundtable on Hospitality Investment in Africa - SOUTHAFRICATOURISM.org - TRAVELINDEXBerlin, Germany, March 4, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / On March 8, 2023, at this year’s ITB Berlin Expo, South African Tourism in partnership with VoyagesAfriq will host an event on Africa’s attractiveness for hospitality investments and tourism.

The continent continues to see massive growth in the hospitality sector with hundreds of beds added each year as global hotel franchises build new facilities or take over management of existing ones.

The event will therefore look at this growing interest in Africa and how it can be safeguarded as the continent positions itself as the next tourism frontier.

The roundtable discussion will feature leading experts on the topic with the ultimate aim of growing Africa’s hospitality sector.

MEDIA INVITATION
Africa as an attractive investment destination for global hospitality brands:
South African Tourism and VoyagesAfriq invite you to a roundtable discussion on Africa’s attractiveness for hospitality investments and tourism during this year’s ITB Berlin Expo. The discussion will feature leading experts on the topic paving the way for the growth of this sector on the African continent.

Date: Wednesday 8th March 2023 Time: 11:00-12:30

Venue: Messe Berlin, Room Room 27: Gamma 6

Kindly RSVP with the following contacts

Contact info Kojo: kojo@voyagesafriq.com

Contact info Thandiwe: thandiwe@southafrica.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Weeva to Showcase Sustainability Solutions at OurAfrica.Travel 2023

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Weeva to Showcase Sustainability Solutions at OurAfrica.Travel 2023 - TRAVELINDEX - TOURISMAFRICA.orgJohannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa,  February 9, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Weeva will be exhibiting at OurAfrica.Travel for the first time this month.  The virtual trade show opens for networking and meeting bookings on 8 February, ahead of the official show which will run from 20 – 24 February 2023.

Weeva, the recently launched digital sustainability management system, was created for the tourism industry to manage the complicated and sometimes daunting task of “sustainability” and to help build resilience in the sector. Built by a team of sustainability experts and scientists alongside industry partners The Long Run and Preferred by Nature, Weeva is a tool that enables properties, from small B&Bs to large hotel groups, to measure and improve their impact.

However, this is not just another carbon calculator. Weeva offers a holistic framework for sustainability management and an incredible knowledge resource to help educate and empower teams on the ground to improve their efforts across 360-degrees of business operations–based on the 4Csof Conservation, Community, Culture and Commerce. Best of all–Weeva’s simple, intuitive design and how-to guides help properties and their team members understand their real impact-both negative and positive–with all the results in one place. The easy-to-use dashboard will reveal and report on real data, which is vital for establishments wanting to be transparent for guests and tour operators or simply to meet certification requirements from GSTC validated bodies. (Think Fitbit meets Sage)

Weeva has undergone rigorous testing from an initial pilot group of 20 properties, which included the likes of Singita, Grootbos, Tswalu, Cottars, Borana Lodge and HBD Principe and ended 2022 with almost 100 properties onboarded. Weeva has secured a strategic partnerships with Small Luxury Hotels’ Considerate Collection and looks forward to further announcements in the coming months.

Weeva is currently a web application, the mobile native version is already in development and the platform will be extended to serve tour operators, travel agents and tourist boards in future iterations.

Weeva will be both affordable and accessible to make sustainable business operations viable for tourism businesses, no matter their size-or where they are on their sustainability journey. Weeva is now available to any property wanting to start with a free trial (with no credit card required) with a lead in price of just $750 per annum (the price of a sustainability consultant for just one day) for small businesses.

You can also view a demo video on weeva.earth, sign up for the Weeva newsletter.

Be sure to check out the easy-listening podcast for the eco-curious, “Funny Old World” hosted by sustainability expert Juliet Kinsman and media pundit Simon London – proudly powered by Weeva on https://weeva.earth/powered-by/funny-old-world-podcast/.

Weeva is a proud member of the Oppenheimer Generations Community and has offices based in London and South Africa.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

OurAfrica.Travel Returns Underscoring the Collaborative Approach

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OurAfrica.Travel Returns Underscoring the Collaborative Approach - TOURISMAFRICA.org - TRAVELINDEXCape Town, South Africa,  February 1, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / OurAfrica.Travel returns this month, connecting eager buyers with exhibitors from across Africa and her Indian Ocean Islands.

Now in its 4th year this virtual B2B tradeshow provides a platform for those selling the African and Indian Ocean Islands, to connect, collaborate and plan for the year ahead from the convenience of your home or office.

Aimed at ensuring five successful days of connecting, the platform is open to both exhibitors and buyers from the 8th of February so they can maximise their time, networking and setting themselves up for success, prior to its’ official start date of the 20th February.

“Hosting a virtual show of this nature allows for complete flexibility for both exhibitors and buyers while focusing on the purpose of the show in its purest form – to allow trade partners to have dedicated business-to-business meetings in a convenient and controlled manner” says Allie Hunt, co-owner of OurAfrica.Travel.

“The importance of connection among travel-trade partners is another driving force of the show. We are blessed to have partners, without whose support the show would not be as successful, and we believe that it is in part due to these collaborations that the show has stood out since the start” says Storm Napier, co-owner of OurAfrica.Travel.

Kicking off the 2023 trade show season, OurAfrica.Travel remains a hallmark event on the travel trade calendar. The OurAfrica.Travel team are expecting an exceptional turnout of trade partners who want to start the year by strengthening relationships and sharing what’s trending in the tourism space across the continent and islands.

A sponsor of this year’s event is Wetu, a longtime believer that collaboration is what drives the travel industry. Leading with efficiency, Wetu has offered its support to the show since its inception – the two brands being very much aligned based on their belief that digital platforms remain an impactful and resourceful way for the travel industry to convert sales with up-to-date marketing material.

Wetu CEO, Paul de Waal, believes opportunities like OurAfrica.Travel that connect trade partners and colleagues are essential if we are to grow tourism.

“We belong to an industry that understands and thrives on collaboration. That connection has taken various forms over the past few years – returning somewhat to in-person connection, but still very much driven by digital connection due to its efficiency, cost and time saving attributes. We see Wetu as an enabler of that connection so partnering with a virtual show like OurAfrica.Travel is an instrumental way for us to deliver on that promise.”

Both Wetu and OurAfrica.Travel are also proud members of ATTA® the voice of African and Indian Ocean Islands Tourism, which supports businesses in Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Eswatini Welcomes Tourists Again

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Eswatini Welcomes Tourists Again - TOURISMAFRICA.org - TRAVELINDEXMbabane, Eswatini, November 24, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / In a move that will give a great boost to the Kingdom’s tourism in the run up to the festive season, the Eswatini government has announced the removal of ALL remaining COVID-related entry regulations. International visitors can now enter The Kingdom of Eswatini without the need for any vaccination certificates or test results.

• For the African Tourism portal , Connecting Africa to the World, go to TourismAfrica.org

This brings the country in line with its larger neighbour, South Africa, and a number of other countries across southern Africa as the region returns to its pre-pandemic position.

For the Kingdom of Eswatini this is particularly significant as the closures associated with COVID-19 had stalled the impressive momentum the country had been establishing as a tourist destination.

In 2020, just before the pandemic emerged and borders started to close, Lonely Planet had named Eswatini as one of its ‘Best in Travel’ Top Destinations for 2020, highlighting the remarkable diversity found within its small borders: “Petite, pleasant and packed with culture, adventure and legendary wildlife, the Kingdom of Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) is one of Southern Africa’s most underrated destinations.”

Southern Africa has suffered a few false dawns of travel returning but as the world started to open up tentatively again, Eswatini also received the accolade in 2021 of being one of just 5 countries named by Forbes as Little-Known Nations that Deserve to Become Tourism Hotspots. Forbes similarly highlighted the “abundant natural beauty, fascinating culture, and rich history that will turn any visitor into a lifelong fan.”

With many post-lockdown travellers looking for nature-focussed trips with plenty of outdoor activities, but also safe, welcoming and relatively unexplored destinations and an opportunity to re-connect with different cultures around the world, Eswatini ticks plenty of the right boxes now that it is fully open again!

Thankfully, Eswatini is already well prepared for the return of tourism. It was the first full country in southern Africa to be awarded the WTTC Safe Travels Stamp back in 2020 based on its robust set of COVID-prevention protocols established quickly by the Eswatini Tourism Authority in conjunction with the Eswatini Ministry of Health, the World Health Organisation and the UN. The country also subsequently obtained the Safer Tourism Seal. Thankfully, COVID cases in Eswatini have remained below 100 for some time now.

Eswatini Tourism Authority CEO, Linda Nxumalo was excited about what this final step will mean for the future, stating: “ETA welcomes Government decision to ease the prevailing entry requirements for Eswatini. The Authority believes this latest move will help towards the goal of increasing the number of tourists into Eswatini to 2 million by 2025 and further encourage tourists to increase the nights they spend in the kingdom to at least three. Tourism remains the strategic economic recovery pillar for Eswatini and this move will help create and sustain more jobs and further increase tourism contributions to GDP. The authority would like to thank the tourism sector for the cooperative and positive spirit throughout the Covid-19 challenging time. We urge everyone to remain vigilant so that we can maintain Eswatini as a safe destination. Eswatini is now inviting all tourists from around the world to come and have a Royal experience in the Kingdom!”

• For the African Tourism portal , Connecting Africa to the World, go to TourismAfrica.org

Marc Ward, Chair of Eswatini tourist industry association HOTAES added “We would like to thank the wisdom of the Government in doing away with the COVID restrictions as we come into the Christmas season.”

Now that all barriers stalling the great momentum for Eswatini’s tourism have gone, with health & safety well managed, and with a perfect set of post-lockdown attributes, Eswatini is all set to welcome more and more visitors, and grow rapidly again. Now that’s worth shouting about!

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Radisson Hotel Group Continues to Strengthen in Africa

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Radisson Hotel Group Continues to Strengthen in Africa - TRAVELINDEXTaghazout Bay, Morocco, November 3, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Currently, Radisson Hotel Group has nearly 100 hotels and 16,000 rooms in operation and under development in Africa. In the last two years only, the Group opened over 16 hotels in the region and secured over 25 new hotels, representing more than 4,800 additional rooms to its portfolio. Earlier this year, Radisson Hotel Group announced that it had surpassed its half-year growth target in Africa with exciting new openings and market entries across business and leisure destinations. This puts the Group on target to reach its goals of adding 150 hotels to the continent in the next five years – making it one of the fastest-growing hotel companies across Africa year on year.

Commenting at the Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF), on the Group’s unparalleled growth and expansion across the continent, Elie Younes, Executive Vice President & Global Chief Development Officer, Radisson Hotel Group, says, “The last two years have been a time of accelerated growth for the Radisson Hotel Group reaching record milestones regionally and globally. Our balanced development strategy along with our tailored approach and responsiveness, enable us to stay relevant to our owners. Our rate of materialization and openings is a testimony to the quality of our pipeline but also translates our conversion strategy in repositioning existing hotels under one of our Radisson Hotel Group brands. 2023 is already anticipated to remain positive with nine hotel openings during the year, which will only reinforce our Group’s presence across the region.”

“Given our recognition as a market leader across the continent, we are well-positioned to speak about the vast opportunities within the African hospitality space. As a Group, we’ve made it a priority to consolidate our market share in key focus markets but also expand into new territories, further cementing our leadership as the most geographically diverse hotel company across Africa” added Ramsay Rankoussi, Vice President Development for the Group in Africa.

Key markets for the Group’s Africa expansion plan include Morocco, Nigeria, South Africa, Egypt, Cameroon, Senegal and Ivory Coast, demonstrating an equal prioritization for Francophone and Anglophone countries.

Highlights from 2022 so far include entry into several key new African markets. Radisson Hotel Group expanded its presence in Madagascar with a portfolio of three hotels, becoming the largest international operator on the island. Extending the Group’s presence into new regions, the first Radisson-branded hotel in East Africa, Radisson Hotel Addis Ababa Bole Airport, was signed in 2022, and the Radisson Individuals brand was introduced to the continent with the opening of two new properties, Number One Oxford Street Hotel & Suites, a member of Radisson Individuals, in Ghana, and Marina Resort Port Ghalib, a member of Radisson Individuals, in Marsa Allam, Egypt.

Another high point of the year is Radisson Blu, the fastest growing hotel brand in Africa in terms of the number of hotels, awarded ‘Africa’s Leading Hotel Brand’ at the World Travel Awards, recognized globally as the ultimate hallmark of quality.

Radisson Hotel Group also recently announced the opening of Radisson Blu Hotel, Juba, South Sudan’s first internationally branded 5-star hotel, and continued its resort growth strategy with the signing of Radisson Resort Dakar Saly in Senegal. There was also the announcement of Radisson Blu Hotel, Livingstone in Zambia and the upcoming offerings for Radisson Safari Hotel, Hoedspruit, both due to open in the coming months. Additionally, the Group reinforced its presence in Tunisia with the recent opening of Radisson Sfax and the rebranding of La Maison Blanche Tunis as a Radisson Individuals property. In South Africa, the Group expanded its portfolio to more than 14 properties with the opening of its latest addition, Radisson Blu Hotel Durban Umhlanga. Further to this, the Group has signed in the last weeks the Radisson Collection Marsa Allam, Egypt with 294 rooms and Radisson Serviced Apartments, Yaoundé, with 220 rooms – both opening in 2024 and further reinforcing the group presence in key focus markets.

Radisson Hotel Group
The Radisson family of brands can be found around the world in more than 120 countries, with currently over 1,700 hotels in operation and under development. Radisson Hotel Group operates the business in EMEA and APAC with over 1,000 hotels in operation and under development. The international hotel group is rapidly growing with a plan to double the portfolio by 2025. The Group’s overarching brand promise is Every Moment Matters with a signature Yes I Can! service ethos.

The Radisson family of brands portfolio includes Radisson Collection, Radisson Blu, Radisson, Radisson RED, Radisson Individuals, Park Plaza, Park Inn by Radisson, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, and prizeotel brought together under one commercial umbrella brand Radisson Hotels.

Radisson Rewards is Radisson Hotel Group’s international rewards program that delivers unique and personalized ways to create memorable moments that matter to its guests. Radisson Rewards offers an exceptional experience for its guests, meeting planners, and travel agents in Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific.

Radisson Meetings provides tailored solutions for any event or meeting, including hybrid solutions placing guests and their needs at the heart of its offer. Radisson Meetings is built around three strong service commitments: Personal, Professional and Memorable, while delivering on the brilliant basics and being uniquely 100% Carbon Neutral.

The health and safety of guests and team members remain a top priority for Radisson Hotel Group. All properties across the Group’s portfolio are subject to stringent health and safety requirements, as outlined in the Radisson Hotels Safety Protocol. The Safety Protocol is an integral part of Radisson Hotel Group’s Safety and Security program ensuring we always care for our guests and team members.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

UNWTO Unites African Tourism for Growth and Opportunity

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UNWTO Unites African Tourism for Growth and Opportunity - TOURISMAFRICA.org - TRAVELINDEXKilimanjaro, Tanzania, October 10, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / The 65th meeting of the UNWTO Regional Commission for Africa brought together around 25 Ministers of Tourism and high-level representatives from 35 countries as well as leaders from the private sector. Taking place in Tanzania just days after UNWTO celebrated World Tourism Day, the Commission meeting embraced that day’s theme of ‘Rethinking Tourism’, with a focus on innovation, branding, jobs and education and partnerships.

But we must look beyond just the numbers and rethink how tourism works so that our sector can deliver on its unique potential to transform lives, drive sustainable growth and provide opportunity everywhere in Africa

Welcoming delegates, UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili provided Members with an update of the Organization’s activities and accomplishments in the 12 months since the previous Commission meeting. He said: “Tourism in Africa has a long history of bouncing back. And it has shown its resilience again. Many destinations are reporting strong arrival numbers. But we must look beyond just the numbers and rethink how tourism works so that our sector can deliver on its unique potential to transform lives, drive sustainable growth and provide opportunity everywhere in Africa.”

Tourism recovery underway in Africa

The Regional Commission of Africa meeting was held as tourism’s recovery gets underway across the continent. According to the latest UNWTO data, for the first seven months of the year, international arrivals across Africa were 171% up on 2021 levels, driven largely by regional demand. To help Members capitalize on the sector’s return, and to build greater sustainability and resilience, UNWTO is prioritizing jobs and training alongside greater and more-targeted investment in tourism. On the eve of this week’s meeting, UNWTO launched a set of Investment Guidelines focused on Tanzania, designed to support foreign investment in the country.

Her Excellency President Samia Suluhu Hassanof Tanzania warmly welcomed all delegates and UNWTO officials, calling on them to “embrace sustainability” and highlighting the work Tanzania has been undertaking to protect the natural habitats and wildlife that help make it a popular destination while also increasing inclusivity in the sector. Tanzania’s Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Pindi Hazara Chana, also noted that the country is looking to diversity its tourism sector in order to boost arrival numbers and revenues over the next five years.

Short-term recovery and long-term transformation

Discussions at the the Commission meeting focused on both the immediate and longer-term recovery of tourism across the continent, including through redefining the roadmap of the UNWTO Agenda for Africa 2030. Key topics highlighted by the high-level participants included accelerating tourism for inclusive growth, advancing the sustainability of the sector and the role of public-private partnerships in achieving both of these goals. Alongside this, the heightened relevance of air connectivity, including low-cost air travel within Africa, as well as the pressing need to support small businesses (SMEs) in gaining the digital tools and knowledge they need to compete, was also discussed.

To conclude the meeting, Members voted to hold the 65th session of the UNWTO Commission for Africa in Mauritius.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Seychelles Tourism Personality Launches Book on Her Work and Experiences

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Seychelles Tourism Personality Launches Book on Her Work and Experiences - VIITSEYCHELLES.org - TRAVELINDEXEden Island, Seychelles, August 31, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Marsha Parcou, the Seychelles former tourism representative in South Africa and in the UK for many years, has published her book that touches on her work and experiences as the island girl who became the face of her island home.

It was Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles former Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports & Marine who had the honour to launch the book at Eden Island in the Seychelles. Mr. St. Ange said as he launched the book “Becoming A Fanm Fasinasyon – My Journey” by Marsha Parcou that the experiences collected over the years as a tourism leader should ever be allowed to be forgotten. The friends made and the press contacts developed can only remain alive through publications such as in One’s Journey through life.

Marsha Parcou who now owns and manages her own “Chatter Box” Café and Restaurant has also developed courses she leads to inspire others and many who have followed her courses were on hand at the book launch to recount their own appreciation of sitting through training sessions by Marsha Parcou who was based in Johannesburg in South Africa and in London in the UK as the Seychelles Tourism Office Manager.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

The Best Things to See and Do in Zambia

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The Best Things to See and Do in Zambia - TRAVELINDEX - TOURISMAFRICA.orgLivingstone, Zambia, August 26, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / While visiting popular landmarks and destinations provides a sense of belonging, it’s often those off the beaten paths that provide authentic and memorable experiences of discovery. Such a journey awaits in Zambia, a country of diverse wildlife, stunning landscapes and incredible natural wonders. From waking up to the sight of zebras to raising a glass at sunset to a picturesque waterfall backdrop, here are the best things to do and see in Zambia.

Witness the Grandeur of The Fall

Described by the Kololo tribe as ‘Mosi-oa-Tunya’ or the smoke that thunders, Victoria Falls is Zambia’s most popular attraction and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. This majestic waterfall forms the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe where columns of spray can be seen from miles away. Experience the finest views of the fall across the Knife-edge Bridge, a vantage point that overlooks the Eastern Cataract, the Main Falls, and the Boiling Pot where the river turns and heads down the Batoka Gorge.

Take It Slow and Just Breathe

Zambia’s five massive lakes and plentiful rivers boast the largest water resources in Africa. Put your mind on mute and enjoy the serene atmosphere of the mighty Zambezi River which offers excellent tiger fishing and fly fishing.

Feel the Adrenaline Rush

For those who prefer a rush of excitement, Livingstone has emerged as an extreme sports capital with some of the best things to do in Zambia, rivaling Swakopmund in Namibia and Jinja in Uganda. Experience white water rafting in one of the top destinations in the world with deep channels and high-water volumes. The rapids at Batoka Gorge are the perfect setting for jet boarding and bungee jumping.

Soar Above the Beauty Below

Being completely open air means microlights provide unparalleled experience of flying naturally. With space for one passenger and a pilot, you’re guaranteed an exhilarating and unique experience complimented by breathtaking views of Victoria Falls and the fascinating gorge that the Zambezi River has carved into the surrounding landscape.

Ground Yourself in Tranquil Nature

Whether you’re a novice or an experienced horse rider, a horseback ride takes you along the trails within the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. Journey through the scenic African Bushveld with excellent bird watching and the possibility of spotting wildlife.

Let Zambia Envelop You

One of the most unique experiences in Zambia is basking in graceful safari-style only steps away from Victoria Falls and waking up to the sight of zebras roaming freely. Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Zambia Hotel by Anantara sets the stage for such coveted experiences. Located in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, the hotel provides free, unlimited access to Victoria Falls for all resort guests. Even better, guests of the hotel can relish the ultimate private dining experience in irresistible flavours against the backdrop of Victoria Falls. Savour every moment, from sunset cocktails to starry African skies.

The Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Zambia Hotel by Anantara
Bask in graceful safari style only steps from one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Sweeping Zambezi River and savannah views stretch from every veranda as you relax in elegance. Wake up to the sight of zebras wandering the Livingstone hotel grounds. Raise a glass at sunset to the marvellous waterfall thundering to its depths as you recline in style. Surrender to relaxation with spa therapies under the shade of monkey trees on the banks of the river. The Royal Livingstone is located on the Zambian side of the Zambezi River in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, with free unlimited access to Victoria Falls for all resort guests.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Wilderness Safaris Pledges Commitment to Lion Recovery Fund

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Wilderness Safaris Pledges Commitment to Lion Recovery Fund - TOURISMAFRICA.org - TRAVELINDEXJohannesburg, South Africa, August 26, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / To celebrate World Lion Day 2022, and in partnership with the Lion Recovery Fund, Wilderness Safaris has pledged its ongoing support of the Lionscape Coalition – an innovative group of leading commercial, conservation tourism companies, which have joined forces to help secure a future for Africa’s lions and their landscapes.

Africa’s lion population has halved in the past 25 years, and the species is now officially classified by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as Vulnerable, with the West African subspecies Critically Endangered. Habitat loss and fragmentation, illegal wildlife trade, bushmeat poaching and human-lion conflict continue to threaten lions across Africa. Yet lions are a resilient species and a turnaround is still possible if these key issues are addressed.

As apex predators, lions are regarded by scientists as an ‘umbrella’ species; if a lion population is thriving, it means the entire ecosystem around it is functioning effectively. ‘Conserving wild lions is therefore synonymous with conserving Africa’s savannah wilderness’, commented Dr Peter Lindsey, Director of the Lion Recovery Fund (LRF). ‘With a unique ability to inspire a passionate audience of travellers about the threats facing lions and how they can help, coupled with the strong economic incentives for conservation that the industry creates, Africa’s ecotourism industry can play a pivotal role in bringing the species back’.

‘As a founding partner of the Lionscape Coalition, we are proud to be working with our conservation tourism partners to make annual philanthropic investments into the LRF. In this way, we are not only supporting lion conservation projects in our regions, but looking past our own business imperatives and collaborating with each other to help support initiatives beyond the boundaries of our direct areas of operation – especially where lions are Critically Endangered’, noted Derek de la Harpe, Wilderness Chief Risk Management and Corporate Affairs Officer.

The LRF’s stated vision is to double wild lion numbers by 2050. By engaging guests before, during and after their safaris, about the threats and opportunities for lion conservation, Lionscape Coalition members aim to generate additional funding in support of the LRF’s goals, with 100% of all donations received channelled directly to projects on the ground.

The strategy of this dedicated initiative focuses on three critical aspects: expanding conservation coverage by increasing the extent and effectiveness of the management of ‘lionscapes’ across Africa; the building of public, political, and philanthropic will, creating a collective intent across the spheres of governments, non-profit organisations, philanthropists and the general public; and the upscaling of funding available for the conservation of lions and their landscapes.

Impactful safaris in Africa are intrinsically linked to the health of the continent’s iconic wildlife populations and their captivating landscapes. As an undisputed favourite for guests, losing lions will not only have dire ecological consequences, but will jeopardise the tourism industry itself, the jobs it creates and the many national economies to which it makes such an important contribution. The Lionscape Coalition shares the LRF’s bold vision to double the number of wild lions in Africa.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News