2014 Africa Tourism Monitor focuses on the continent’s people

Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni arrives at Speke Resort Munyonyo where he officially opened ATA’s 39th Annual World Congress

Tourism has enormous potential to transform lives, particularly in terms of job creation and human development.

In 2013 alone, the African continent welcomed 65 million visitors. By 2030, the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) projects that Africa’s international tourist arrivals will rise to 134 million, an increase of 106%. In the latest issue of the Africa Tourism Monitor, a joint publication produced annually by the African Development Bank (AfDB), the Africa Travel Association (ATA), and New York University’s Africa House – the focus is on Africa’s greatest asset: its people.

Tanzania set to join East Africa single visa scheme

The East African Community (EAC), a regional bloc that also includes Burundi, is seeking to promote the region’s tourism potential and market member states as a single tourist destination.

Tanzania is ready to eventually join the single visa scheme – currently operational in the three East African countries of Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda – amid efforts to promote the sub-region as a tourism destination.

“As a country, we are now doing our homework to look at some issues like security, once one tourism destination comes to operation,” Tourism and Natural Resources Minister Lazaro Nyalandu said.

Kenya, Tanzania to enforce tour operators’ deal

East African Affairs, Commerce & Tourism Cabinet Secretary Phyllis Kandie says the two countries have agreed to create awareness among tour operators to ensure that the deal is respected and avoid any conflict

KENYA: The government has pledged to ensure smooth implementation of the 1985 bilateral agreement with Tanzania which allows tourist vans to drop tourists at convenient points between Kenya and Tanzania.

East African Affairs, Commerce and Tourism Cabinet Secretary Phyllis Kandie says the two countries have agreed to create awareness among tour operators to ensure that the deal is respected and avoid any conflict.

Felix Mosha elected Chairman of the East African business Council

During the 15th Annual General Meeting held at the East African Hotel in Arusha, Tanzania, on 4th April 2014, the East African Business Council elected its new Executive Committee for the period of 2014/2015 with Mr. Felix Mosha elected as the Chairman taking over from Mr. Vimal Shah, who has served as Chairman since May 2013.

International tourism exceeds expectations with arrivals up by 52 million in 2013

International tourist arrivals grew by 5% in 2013, reaching a record 1,087 million arrivals, according to the latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer. Despite global economic challenges, international tourism results were well above expectations, with an additional 52 million international tourists travelling the world in 2013. For 2014, UNWTO forecasts 4% to 4.5% growth – again, above the long term projections.

#Uganda: River #Nile declared one of #Africa’s Seven Wonders

Uganda has once again won a prestigious award with the source of the Nile voted as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa.

This came at the heels of Uganda being voted a Birding Destination in 2013 among other accolades last year that included; Bwindi and Murchison falls national park voted best birding destination; Virunga Massive-must see in a life time; Tree Climbing Lions-picture of the week;  Kidepo Natural Park-Pristine Destination; Canada and New York Times, named Uganda top best destinations.

Jane #Goodall on climate change

Jane Goodall greets the audience by imitating a chimpanzee, then launches into an hour-long talk on her relationship with apes and how, from being a primatologist, she became an activist to protect them.

International #tourism to continue robust growth in 2013

International tourist arrivals grew by 4% in 2012 to reach 1.035 billion, according to the latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer.

#Kenya: Two Ships With 1,000 UK #Tourists due in #Mombasa

Two cruise ships with an estimated 1,000 tourists on board are expected in Mombasa, between December 24 and January 26 next year.

MV Nautica, with about 654 tourists from Britain, and 401 crew members, is expected to dock at the Mombasa port at 6am on Monday.

#Tanzania: #Sunderland Officials to meet #Kikwete

ENGLISH Premier League club Sunderland has revealed plans to invest in Tanzania in a bid to promote the country’s business opportunities and foster football development.

This was confirmed by the Director of Tourism at Ministry of Tourism and Natural Resources, Ibrahim Mussa, who said senior officials from Sunderland Association Football Club will meet President Jakaya Kikwete at the State House in Dar es Salaam today to discuss on investment opportunities in the country.