#VoyagesAfriq’s latest tourism news from across Africa – including Russia being suspended from UNWTO with immediate effect

(Posted 02nd May 2022)



UNWTO Members Vote to Suspend Russia



The Russian Federation has been suspended from the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), losing with immediate effect its rights and privileges as part of the United Nations specialized agency. Meeting for a first extraordinary UNWTO General Assembly, Members debated the suspension of Russia from the Organization, as decided by the UNWTO Executive Council at its emergency meeting last month. Read more  here

Asky Airlines connect Africa to Cabo Verde

ASKY Airlines has announced the commencement of passenger service to the capital of Cabo Verde, Praia from June 2 this year.
The Capital of the Archipelago Island Praia will have a seamless connection to ASKY’s vast network covering all of West, Central and South African markets with three weekly flights following the below schedule : Read here



Nairobi’s Hilton Hotel to shut down after 53 yearsThe iconic Hilton Hotel located in the Nairobi central business district (CBD) will shut down after 53 years of operation.The Standard understands that several staff members will lose jobs following the decision, which has already been communicated to the Kenya Tourism Board.
The Five-Star hotel began operations in the capital city on December 7, 1969 after it was officially opened by the then-President Mzee Jomo Kenyatta (now late). Read more  here



Tourism’s chance to show love to Kwazulu Natal



It hasn’t been too long since tourism, a sector rooted in the ultimate power of bringing people together was reeling from the effects of the dreadful coronavirus. And just when the world was beginning to see some light at the end of the tunnel came the Russian invasion of Ukraine to roll back the little progress made to get tourism back.In Africa, the recovery was showing some good signs of recovery with shows and expos making glorious returns after a two-year hiatus.
Read here

Marriott International Celebrates 1,000th Hotel in EMEA Region

Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) today celebrated the launch of The Westin London City, its 1,000th hotel in Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA). A flagship Westin Hotel that seamlessly balances London’s always-on energy with the wellness promise for which the brand is known, the property also marks the debut of the Westin Hotels & Resorts brand in the UK market. As the company celebrated this milestone, it also announced that across 2022 and 2023, it expects to add more than 200 properties, which equates to 38,000 rooms, in Europe, Middle East and Africa. Read more  Here 




UNWTO welcomes NETCOM as  newest Affiliate Member

UNWTO has welcomed NETCOM, a leader in communications and digital advertising, into its growing network of Affiliate Members.Affiliate Members are drawn from every part of the diverse tourism sector, with businesses, civil society, destinations and academia all represented. Through this network, UNWTO guides the development and growth of tourism in every global region. With more than 25 years in the market and presence in the main cities of the world, Netcom will work to promote the restart and sustainable recovery of tourism. Read More here




Register and Exhibit at Africa’s Travel Indaba 2022 Africa’s Travel Indaba brings together a showcase of Southern African tourism products and services for the international travel trade. Exhibitors in the DEC (Durban Exhibition Centre) includes, provincial authorities, provincial products and African Countries. In the ICC (International Convention Centre), exhibitor categories include accommodation, tour operators, game lodges, transport, online travel, luxury products, Hidden Gems, media publications and industry associations. Outdoor exhibitors include transport, camping and safari companies.  Register  here




Let’s Fix discrimination against women in Tourism- Dr. Phumzile Mlambo-NgcukaMy conversation today is about the role of women in the tourism sector and how governance structures can be improved to uplift the girl child to the upper echelons of the tourism establishment. My Guest is Dr. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka who is the Former Executive Director of UN Women and current Chairperson of the World Committee of Tourism Ethics. The former vice president of South Africa also discusses her mandate as the chair of the Tourism Ethics Committee and how tourism can be a real force for good. Listen Here