#ATTA: South Africa now too imposes travel ban over #COVID19
COVID-19 South Africa Statement COVID-19 South Africa Statement “Extraordinary measures” have been taken by the South African government today to “reduce the impact of coronavirus” These measures include: Imposing travel bans effective 18 March to and from high-risk source markets, including South Korea, Italy, Iran, Spain, Germany, USA, UK and China Travellers from medium-risk source […]
Alain St. Ange calls for broad based dialogue in #Seychelles over #COVID19
UNITED WE STAND – DIVIDED WE FALL … (Posted 15th March 2020) Following the confirmed cases of COVID-19 on our shores, Seychelles cannot afford to have misplaced priorities. Given the virus’s rapid contagion, and in light of our country’s limited capacity, the overarching priority of our Government should be to prevent its people from contracting […]
#ATTA publishes statement of #Kenya Government
COVID-19 Kenya Statement COVID-19 Kenya Statement In a press statement issued by the President of Kenya this afternoon (Sunday 15th March) it was stated that: The Government is suspending travel for all persons coming into Kenya from any country with reported Coronavirus cases. Only Kenyan Citizens, and any foreigners with valid residence permits will be […]
#BrusselsAirlines takes added measures over #COVID19 crisis

AIRLINE SUSPENDS FLIGHTS TO NEW YORK, ITALY AND ISRAEL AND REDUCED CAPACITY ACROSS THE NETWORK (Posted Saturday the 14th of March 2020 – from the Observatory by Geolodges, Rubirizi District, Uganda) Brussels Airlines announces additional flight cancellations for March and a reduced timetable for April 2020 The airline adapts its flight offer following national governments […]
#IATA welcomes (belated) decision to suspend slot rules in Europe
IATA Welcomes EU Suspension of Slot Use Rules The International Air Transport Association (IATA) welcomed the announcement by the European Commission (EC) granting the temporary suspension until June 2020 of the 80-20 “use it or lose it” rule for airport slots. The decision reflects the unprecedented situation facing the airline industry. However, granting the suspension […]
Bizarre decision by the Tanzanian government to allow bush meat trade
CAUSE OF #COVID19 CLEARLY LOST ON THE TANZANIAN GOVERNMENT AS THEY LEGALIZE BUSHMEAT TRADE (Posted 14th March 2020) (Effects of bush meat trade while China bans it following the Corona Virus outbreak) Poaching is widespread around the Serengeti National Park, especially on the western side where human population is dense. It’s done primarily to supply […]
#COVID19 – updates on travel restrictions currently in place

COUNTRIES, OFTEN VERY BELATEDLY, NOW PUT SWEEPING MEASURES INTO PLACE TO CONTAIN THE VIRUS SPREAD (Posted Saturday the 14th of March 2020 – from the Observatory by Geolodges, Rubirizi District, Uganda) ATCNews has been following up on the reaction of several countries vis a vis travel, by air, rail and road, and the following examples […]
TravelComments.com – City Sightseeing South Africa to launch a new service in Hermanus!

City Sightseeing South Africa, operator of the well-kown red open-top hop-on-hop-off sightseeing buses in Cape Town and Johannesburg, is set to launch a new service in Hermanus in South Africa’s Western Cape this week. City Sightseeing Hermanus will offer hourly 90-minute tours through Hermanus, which will include stops at the Old Harbour, the New Harbour, […]
#AirKenya Group reassures their customers in the face of a growing #COVID19 crisis
13th March 2020 Ease of mind when booking with Airkenya Dear Valued Partner, Taking into account the evolving COVID-19 situation, we acknowledge the effects that it is having on our travel industry. At Airkenya we would like to support you, our partners, our customers and ease your minds during these unfamiliar times whilst you make […]
#BreakingNews #AfricaTravelWeek yields to #COVID19 concerns and postpones
#WTMAFRICA2020 – #IBTM2020 #ILTMAFRICA2020 ALL POSTPONED AMID GROWING #COVID19 CRISIS (Posted Friday the 13th of March 2020 – from the Observatory by Geolodges, Rubirizi District, Uganda) What up to a few days ago seemed the impossible choice, has now entered a new phase after Reed Exhibitions just officially postponed the Africa Travel Week. The early […]
#CAPA’s Blue Swan Daily #Aviation News
ATCNews readers now have daily access to the Blue Swan Daily Aviation News, courtesy of #CAPA by simply clicking on
#Hilton addresses #COVID19 concerns
Hilton Honors Members, In these uncertain times, I wanted to reach out to you personally about what we are doing here at Hilton to support you and your travel plans. As the situation around novel coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to evolve, we are doing everything we can to ensure your travel safety and provide maximum flexibility. […]
#AirTanzania halts Mumbai flights amid #COVID19 crisis
NO CORONA VIRUS IN TANZANIA BUT CAUTION IS BETTER THAN LATE REGRETS (Posted Friday the 13th of March 2020 – from the Observatory by Geolodges, Rubirizi District, Uganda) Effective today, 13th of March, has Air Tanzania suspended their flights to the Indian city of Mumbai. This follows a declaration by India to suspend Visa for […]
A year after #CycloneIdai does #Mozambique still need much help
AS THE WORLD FOCUSES ON #COVID19 IS AID TO MOZAMBIQUE DRYING UP (Posted Friday the 13th of March 2020 – from the Observatory by Geolodges, Rubirizi District, Uganda) A year after Cyclone Idai devastated much of central Mozambique, limited funding for essential reconstruction is preventing many of the hardest-hit people from getting back on their […]
#UNWTO meeting in Seychelles postponed
#COVID19 PUTS A STOP TO UNWTO MEETING IN THE SEYCHELLES (Posted Friday the 13th of March 2020 – from the Observatory by Geolodges, Rubirizi District, Uganda) Information was received overnight that the UNWTO Regional Commission for Africa meeting, which was due to take place in the Seychelles, has – for the time being – been […]
Kenya Airways forced to halt Rome flights by social media s***storm
KENYA AIRWAYS FINALLY DROPS ROME FLIGHTS AFTER SOCIAL MEDIA FLEX THEIR MUSCLE (Posted Friday the 13th of March 2020 – from the Observatory by Geolodges, Rubirizi District, Uganda) (This image until this morning was still the headline picture on the Kenya Airways Facebook page many hours after the airline announced the suspension of the route) […]
#IATA reminds states of the consequences of their (knee jerk) reactions on their economies
IATA Reacts to Latest US Travel Restrictions The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and its members continue to support governments in their efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19. At this time of extreme pressure on the industry, IATA urged governments to: Prepare for the broad economic consequences of these actions, Respond quickly to the […]
#AuricAir amends cancellation policy for tickets as #COVID19 crisis hits home
Greetings! In response to the growing concerns over the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19), which has resulted in cancellations in travel plans, Auric Air has has put in place the below cancellation policy effective 12th of March 2020 The policy is applicable for bookings done before 11th of March 2020 with travel dates up to 30th […]
AFRAA issues #COVID19 statement

THE CURRENT CRISIS SERVES TO REMIND AFRICAN GOVERNMENTS THAT A MORE SUSTAINABLE AVIATION INDUSTRY IS NEEDED (Posted 12th March 2020) The African Airlines Association (AFRAA), the trade association of African airlines has urged stakeholders to work together to support African airlines achieve profitability and sustainable operations for development of air travel on the continent. In […]
Coastal Aviation announces forced increase of fares
CUPPS SURCHARGE IN THE MIDST OF THE #COVID19 CRISIS A BAD DECISION (Posted 12th March 2020) Dear ATCNews Readers and Partners, We would like to inform you of the new surcharge imposed on all departures out of Dar-Es-Salaam Airport Terminal One. Effective from the 1st of March 2020 the Tanzanian Airport Authority has introduced a […]
Serena Hotels changes their cancellation policy to reflect the #COVID19 crisis

CANCELLATION POLICY UPDATE (Posted 12th March 2020) Dear ATCNews Readers and Business Partners, Serena Hotels recognizes that in the current uncertain climate, potential clients wishing to travel in the near future may be uncomfortable with making booking commitments. We wish to assure you that in response to the continued developments with the COVID-19 outbreak around […]
TravelComments.com – Namibia: Shark Island declared National Heritage site!

Shark Island, a small peninsula adjacent to the coastal city of Lüderitz in Namibia, has become a National Heritage site. The country’s Deputy Minister of Education, Arts and Culture, Ester Anna Nghipondoka, officially announced the declaration on site in Lüderitz on 11 March 2020. Shark Island already received its status as National Heritage site on […]
Corporate Council on Africa News Updates
TOURISM Tourism Sector Shields African Economies Amid Slowing Global GDP Growth EABW Digital The severity of the impact of coronavirus on China’s growth prospects will hold major implications for Africa given the continent’s close ties to the Asian giant. The broader impact will also be exacerbated if efforts to contain…Read more>> How AfCFTA will impact […]
#CAPA’s Blue Swan Daily #Aviation News
ATCNews readers now have daily access to the Blue Swan Daily Aviation News, courtesy of #CAPA by simply clicking on www.blueswandaily.com
#ATQ unveils nominees for West Africa Travel Awards the Balafon
Another edition of #ATQNews from #Nigeria and beyond Kenya’s new $3.5m cruise ship terminal receives 500 tourists atqnewsawards promptly. Nominations and voting will close on May 11, 2020. …more details The prestigious Balafon Award of excellence has been received by several deserving individuals and corporate bodies in the West Africa. Past winners include the Director […]
#AirSeychelles announces new flexible booking policy

AIRLINE CONTINUE TO REACT TO CHANGING MARKET CONDITIONS CAUSED BY #COVID19 (Posted 12th March 2020) Air Seychelles has introduced a new waiver policy to provide travellers more flexibility and peace of mind when booking their trip across the airline’s regional network. As part of the policy, travellers holding tickets for travel between 04th of March […]
#AviaDevAfrica reluctantly shifts to a September date

AVIADEV AFRICA ANNOUNCES POSTPONEMENT OF AFRICA’S PREMIER AVIATION SUMMIT TO SEPTEMBER DATES (Posted 12th March 2020) Jon Howell, founder and CEO of AviaDevAfrica, yesterday – and with much regret – announced a shift in dates for what has become Africa’s premier aviation summit dealing with connectivity challenges across the continent. With many participants coming from […]
#UNWTO seeks further engagement with #WHO
UNWTO AND WHO MEET AGAIN TO MAP OUT JOINT INITIATIVES OVER #COVID19 (Posted 12th March 2020) The Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Zurab Pololikashvili led a high- delegation to the World Health Organization (WHO) headquarters in Geneva to further advance the two agencies’ coordinated response to the worldwide Coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak. WHO Director-General […]
TravelComments.com – Mozambique: The city of Pemba to introduce a “tourist tax”!

According to Mozambican state-owned newspaper Noticias (online edition, 06 March 2020), the port city of Pemba in the province of Cabo Delgado in northern Mozambique is set to introduce a compulsary tourist tax (“taxa de turista”). Effective from April 2020, all visitors staying in one of the city’s accommodation establishments have to pay a fee. […]
#CAPA’s Blue Swan Daily #Aviation News
ATCNews readers now have daily access to the Blue Swan Daily Aviation News, courtesy of #CAPA by simply clicking on www.blueswandaily.com