by admin | Apr 3, 2025 | air travel, aviation, business, flights, flying
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Kenya Airways plans to host the 37th annual meeting of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in Nairobi in May, aiming to attract numerous aviation experts.
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The conference lasting for three days will begin on Tuesday, May 13 and wrap up on Thursday, May 15.
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The occasion, scheduled to feature prominent figures from the aviation industry, will take place in Africa for the very first time.
Bonface Kanyamwaya, who works as a journalist for SANGGRALOKA.co.ke, boasts over ten years of expertise in covering sectors such as business, finance, economics, markets, and aviation. His analysis offers valuable perspectives on both Kenyan and international developments.
On Tuesday, May 13, Kenya Airways (KQ), the nation’s flag carrier, will welcome the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Ground Handling Conference to Nairobi. This event marks the first time the conference is being held on African soil.
The IATA Ground Handling Conference in Nairobi
The three-day gathering in Nairobi will conclude on Thursday, May 15.
The conference highlights Africa’s increasing significance in international air travel and Kenya Airways’ crucial part in advancing aviation innovation and growth throughout the continent.
“As the leading airline in African skies, Kenya Airways takes pride in initiating this significant milestone. Bringing IGHC to Kenya supports our aim to promote innovation, build collaborations, and demonstrate Africa’s preparedness to influence the future of international air travel. This further underscores our dedication to progressing the sector—not only within the country but across the entire continent—with the objective of fostering growth and enhancing connections,” stated Kenya Airways CEO Allan Kilavuka in a press release viewed by
SANGGRALOKA.co.ke
On April 3rd, prior to the event.
The crucial aspect of ground handling plays an essential role in ensuring the safety, efficiency, and robustness of the global aviation sector. This year’s IGHC will emphasize the term ‘elevate.’ Our aim is to explore methods for enhancing performance within the ground handling domain,” stated IATA Director General Willie Walsh in a distinct press statement reviewed by our publication.
Kilavuka stated that the conference organized by Kenya Airways, which reported a net profit of KSh 5.4 billion for the fiscal year ending in 2024, would concentrate on updating operational processes, advancing employee skills, and strengthening partnerships to boost overall efficiency within the aviation industry.
Who will be speaking at the IATA Ground Handling Conference in Nairobi?
Kilavuka stated that key speakers at the event will consist of President William Ruto, IATA Director General Walsh, the leadership from Kenya Airways, along with several other high-ranking officials.
The conference will offer speakers a platform to explore subjects including advancements in ground support equipment (GSE), the uptake of hydrogen-powered GSE, and standardized safety training initiatives.
They will also discuss breakthroughs in real-time baggage tracking, electronic bag tags, and modern messaging standards.
The discussion will also cover tactics for fostering public-private collaborations, advances in regulation, and enhancing coordination between airports and service providers.
In a distinct press release issued on Wednesday, April 2, from Geneva, Walsh stated, ‘The conference further bolsters IATA’s Focus Africa initiative, underscoring our dedication to fostering sustainable aviation development throughout the region.’
KQ’s previous conference
Last month, KQ organized the inaugural Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) conference in Nairobi, aiming to engage with hundreds of aviation industry players across Africa.
The conference began on Tuesday, March 18 and concluded on Wednesday, March 19, lasting for two days.
The symposium gathered policymakers, original equipment manufacturers, and other aviation specialists to discuss the possibilities of AAM within the African market.
by admin | Apr 3, 2025 | business, commerce, economics, economy of china, news
Slow expansion of the Chinese Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector is anticipated during the initial quarter; however, the recent earthquake likely won’t cause significant disruption to this market.
Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, who leads the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), stated that the Chinese market experienced a slowdown in growth during the initial three months of this year following an improvement in the preceding quarter.
Mr. Chiruit stated that the sluggish Chinese economy and Beijing’s strategy to promote local spending resulted in a decrease of business travelers from China coming to Thailand, particularly within the meetings and incentive travel segment.
He mentioned that more Chinese tourist groups chose alternative locations like Japan, Vietnam, and the Philippines instead.
In 2019, China topped the list as the biggest source of international MICE travelers to Thailand, accounting for over 247,660 out of a total of 1.27 million MICE visitors from abroad.
Travel safety worries likewise hindered the Chinese Mice market; however, these issues were not as pronounced as those affecting leisure travel, according to Mr. Chiruit.
The TCEB endeavored to revitalize this market through roadshow events conducted in Beijing and Shenzhen on April 1-2. Additionally, they promoted various initiatives aimed at attracting Chinese travelers interested in sectors like cuisine, lifestyle, energy, and pharmaceuticals.
As stated by UFI, which is known as the global hub for the exhibition industry’s association, Asia is currently attracting an increasing number of exhibition events due to projected growth in trade within the region, according to Mr. Chiruit.
These tendencies could encourage exhibition attendees from China along with other nearby markets to attend.
At the same time, it is aiming at various other markets to replace the Chinese market, including India, Europe, Australia, and the Middle East.
The TCEB is keeping an eye on the effects of the trade tariffs proposed by US President Donald Trump.
Mr. Chirirut mentioned that international firms might reduce expenses related to MICE spending, whereas Thailand’s export industry could encounter certain difficulties.
As stated by TCEB, in the last quarter of 2024—marking the beginning of their 2025 financial year—the total count of international MICE travelers reached 275,837, showing an increase of 7.4% compared to the same period the previous year.
Domestic Mouse travelers dropped by 5.7% compared to the previous year, totaling 7.33 million, indicating ongoing economic worries at home that could continue throughout this year.
After last week’s earthquake, TCEB will additionally send an official communication to foreign partners and delegates, detailing information to keep them updated about the current circumstances and future strategies.
He said the incident should not significantly impact the Mice market, as most events continued as usual last week, such as the book fair at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center.
Nonetheless, it will take some time to assess the effect on major forthcoming events such as the IDF World Diabetes Congress scheduled for April 7-10, 2025, where more than 10,000 attendees are anticipated.
Recently, TCEB introduced the MICE Data Platform, which gathers, examines, and delivers information to parties involved in the MICE sector.
Mr. Chirruit mentioned that mice operators can gain insights into visitor counts and various events, along with associated behavioral patterns, which they might utilize to adjust and improve their own business strategies.
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by admin | Apr 3, 2025 | business, commerce, community, lifestyle, local news
Approximately 3,000 residents of the Kitenden community in Amboseli are set to benefit from their investment in a WorldLife conservation camp.
On Thursday, April 3, Tourism Cabinet Secretary (CS) Rebecca Miano presided over the ground-breaking ceremony for a highly luxurious and select upscale tourism complex in the region.
“Today, we welcome a pace-setting development as we witness the groundbreaking of the construction of an ultra-luxurious and exclusive high-end tourist facility in the Kitenden area of Amboseli,” said Miano in a press statement seen by
SANGGRALOKA.co.ke
.
In what manner did the local community consent to construct the lodge?
The CS mentioned that the Amboseli Kitenden Lodge stands out as a pioneer in its category and distinguishes itself with numerous unique aspects.
The upscale 9-bedroom lodge financed by Conservation Equity Ltd is scheduled to be located within the 50,000-acre Kitenden conservancy, which is jointly owned by around 3,000 local residents.
The local residents have had their property titles completely documented thanks to the developer, who incurred a expense of KSh 90 million for this process. The CS highlighted that it is especially satisfying that the collaboration between the Kitenden community and the lodge developers of Amboseli Kitenden began with mutual agreement from the very start.
Miano disclosed that the agreement between the Kitenden Conservancy and the developers of the Amboseli Kitenden Lodge includes specific terms of engagement designed to nurture a positive relationship throughout the 25-year duration of the contract.
What advantages do local people gain from staying at Kitenden Lodge?
Initially, the lodge management committed to payinglocals an annual dividend of $400,000 (more than KSh 50 million). They also planned to increase this sum by 5 percent each following year throughout the duration of thecontract.
The funds will be distributed directly to each of the 3,000 people within the Kitenden Conservancy community.
As she mentioned, the compensation provided by the Amboseli Kitenden Lodge exceeds threefold compared to typical standards.
The construction of the lodge will begin with 100 local unskilled men and women working on-site.
The creators of the Amboseli Kitenden Lodge pledged to hire 200 local residents as staff members during the initial five-year period of their operations.
It is anticipated that the lodge will draw wealthy tourists looking for exclusivity, sustainability, and genuine cultural experiences. Conservation Equity Ltd. thinks this approach could establish a new standard for upcoming projects within Kenya’s travel sector.
“This pact goes beyond being merely a contract; it’s a pledge to guarantee that local communities reap the rewards of their rich natural legacy,” stated a spokesperson for the firm.
by admin | Apr 2, 2025 | buildings, business, construction, government, infrastructure
New Delhi [India], April 2 (ANI): The Chief Minister of Assam
Himanta Biswa Sarma
Wednesday reiterated the dedication to construct a new and
Viskit Assam
“brick by brick.”
https://x.com/himantabiswa/status/1907400537101697331
After inaugurating welfare initiatives valued at several crore rupees throughout the state via social media, Chief Minister Biswa stated, “Following visits to four districts—Nagaon, Biswanath, Sonitpur, and Jorhat—I’m returning to Guwahati. The total value of these committed welfare efforts exceeds Rs356 crore.”
These features encompass a new walkway, library, convention center, circuit house, school, hostel, automated vehicle testing centers, and bridges. Bit by bit, we shall construct a new and Viskit Assam,” stated CM Biswa.
On Monday, Sarma launched multiple initiatives and initiated groundwork for future projects in Biswanath during his three-day tour of the Biswanath and Sonitpur districts.
In these efforts, he launched a state-of-the-art automated vehicle inspection facility, established with an investment of Rs 11.50 crore, marking the region’s first such center in Southeast Asia.
The facility, which can examine as many as 300 vehicles daily, will cater to the districts of Biswanath, Lakhimpur, and Sonitpur.
After his swearing-in ceremony, he held a gathering with representatives from the Transportation Authority and the entity overseeing the premises, during which they gave a briefing about the protocols for examining vehicular condition.
Later, CM Sarma carried out the Bhoomi Pujan ritual and initiated the construction of a cable car system linking Biswanath Ghat to Umatumoni River Island. This venture, projected to cost Rs 58.81 crores, will extend over 446 meters and have the capacity to transport 300 people each hour.
Besides improving transport, it is anticipated to draw tourists and pilgrims to the area. During the ceremony, he officially opened several initiatives, such as the Circuit House (costing Rs 12.98 crore), the Biswanath Zila Parishad office building (valued at Rs 4 crore), the Tribal Rest House (priced at Rs 1 crore), and the residence for the Assistant Commissioner (worth Rs 91 lakh).
Moreover, he initiated the groundwork for an Industrial Park at Borgang’s No. 2 Dhemaji Bari (costing Rs 31.54 crore), established an Accredited Driver Training Center, and developed an Automated Driving Test Track (valued at Rs 4 crore). (ANI)
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by admin | Apr 2, 2025 | business, government regulations, passports and international travel, tourists, Travel
Despite warnings, the expansion of a UK travel permit scheme to EU visitors is not impacting tourism to Northern Ireland according to some businesses in the sector.
Starting Tuesday, travelers from the European Union will join others worldwide in requiring an electronic travel authorization (ETA) for entry into the UK.
The leader of the Northern Ireland Tourism Alliance has stated that this situation creates an obstacle for visitors who enter the Republic of Ireland and might want to explore Northern Ireland as well.
Nonetheless, a hotel chain and a travel agency have informed SANGGRALOKA that they haven’t experienced any effects on their operations.
Colin Johnston, the managing director of the Galgorm Collection, stated that although the industry had lobbied against the ETA, when it was properly communicated to tourists, “they find it acceptable and comprehend it.”
During his appearance on the SANGGRALOKA’s Talkback program, he mentioned that some participants were unnerved by the considerable negative coverage of the ETA in the media. He also noted that “by persistently discussing it, we might be causing more harm to ourselves.”
Heather Rennie McGill from the touring company Rabbie’s mentioned that this situation boils down to “improving communication and making it easier for customers to handle the necessary legal requirements for entering the country.”
When the ETA was initially implemented in 2023 for travelers heading to the UK from non-EU countries, she mentioned that it affected “the quality of service or customer care we needed to provide,” however, she did not observe any effect on our reservations.
She mentioned that the system was inducing stress among certain customers and imposing an unwanted additional expense.
The British government has stated that the ETA will assist in stopping misuse of the immigration framework.
‘Deeply concerned’
The leader of the Northern Ireland Tourism Alliance, Joanne Stuart, has stated that several tour operators are excluding Northern Ireland from their trip plans to the island of Ireland as a result of the program’s growth.
We are highlighted as part of the island of Ireland, and this has consistently been rooted in effortless travel experiences.
She informed the SANGGRALOKA that 69% of those vacationing in Northern Ireland arrive via the Republic.
We’ve placed this obstacle in our path… and now we’re beginning to feel the effects of it.
During her address at the Northern Ireland Assembly on Tuesday, Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald expressed deep concern regarding the consequences of implementing the ETA scheme and how this would affect the region’s tourism industry.
Archibald mentioned that she had interacted with the UK government just last week regarding this matter and reiterated her call for an exemption of Northern Ireland from the plan.
Previously requested exemptions for Northern Ireland
were rejected
According to the previous UK government, this would lead to “an unacceptably large gap” in United Kingdom border security.
What does ETA stand for, and how can you obtain one?
The ETA is a document required for non-British and non-Irish citizens who don’t need a visa but wish to enter the UK.
This will cover international tourists who land in Dublin with intentions to visit Northern Ireland afterward.
The current application cost for the UK ETA via the app or the GOV.UK website is £10; however, starting from April 9th, this fee will increase to £16.
As stated on the official government site, applicants for an ETA typically receive a response within 3 business days; however, they also mention that numerous applications may result in “an even faster outcome.”
The travel journalist Lisa Minot informed SANGGRALOKANews NI that for most individuals, it should take merely a few minutes.
A visa subclass ETA is valid for 2 years or up until your passport expires, allowing you unlimited visits to the UK during this period.
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UK denies travel permit exception for Northern Ireland visitors
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Tourism leader claims travel permits will negatively affect Northern Ireland’s hotel industry.
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Minister cautions about effects of electronic travel authorization
by admin | Apr 2, 2025 | banking, business, commerce, loyalty programs, money
PNN
Mumbai (Maharashtra), India, April 2: Customer Capital, a firm that focuses on proprietary commerce loyalty solutions,
Bank of Maharashtra
declared a collaboration to launch a special travel platform along with loyalty incentives for
Bank of Maharashtra
cardholders. This partnership between Customer Capital and
Bank of Maharashtra
aiming to improve the value offering
Bank of Maharashtra
Cardholders can enjoy a smooth and rewarding travel booking experience directly via the BANK OF MAHARASHTRA card website and app.
Customer Capital has developed a white-label travel platform called ‘
Tripstacc
This feature permits banks to tailor customer experiences and obtain detailed insights into travel and expenses (T&E), information that cannot be derived from conventional partnership programs. Such capabilities will empower
Bank of Maharashtra
Cardholders can reserve hotels and tickets through a reliable travel website available via the
Bank of Maharashtra
card website and app.
As per a recent study, the loyalty market in India is expected to expand further and could potentially reach $7.92 billion by 2028. Recognizing this significant opportunity, Customer Capital aims to utilize their platform for better understanding and serving Indian consumers. This partnership puts them in an advantageous position to do so.
Bank of Maharashtra
to utilize Customer Capital’s advanced technologies and innovations such as
Tripstacc
, to further boost its operational abilities and gain a competitive advantage.
Govind Sandhu, CEO & Co-Founder of Customer Capital, stated, “We are delighted to announce
Tripstacc
, our captive commerce travel platform for Bank of Maharashtra. This collaboration introduces a distinctive approach that provides numerous advantages to the bank by offering a tailored solution and proposition for its clients. The model will enable
Bank of Maharashtra
deliver greater value to customers, boost involvement and activation, and improve comprehension of travel spending habits thus increasing their proportion of expenditure on travels”
Govind Sandhu also mentioned, “The landscape of India’s loyalty programs is experiencing substantial change, propelled by advancements in technology, artificial intelligence, changing customer preferences, and updated regulatory frameworks. Our aim is to address gaps within the loyalty sector by concentrating on personalized commercial services and have consequently invested in an array of proprietary e-commerce platforms. These can be provided as white-label options for companies aiming to present these directly to their customers. We believe this approach will prove beneficial.”
Bank of Maharashtra
a favored financial ally for its clients.
About Customer Capital:
Customer Capital is an enterprise dedicated to revolutionizing loyalty practices and establishing Loyalty 2.0 through integrated commerce, advanced artificial intelligence technologies, and insights from industry experts. Established in 2022, this firm has developed a range of services designed to turn loyalty initiatives into significant income sources. They specialize in crafting, implementing, and expanding inventive loyalty strategies enhanced by beneficial partnerships. Operating as a comprehensive provider of loyalty management solutions, Customer Capital provides specialized knowledge across various domains such as ecosystem development, accelerator deployment, and technological advancements—this includes their proprietary AI-powered Loyalty Platform along with their Staccs (captive commerce accelerators), which cater specifically to sectors like online travel and e-commerce.
In tandem with targeted advisory support aimed at ensuring these programs resonate deeply with consumers while remaining financially rewarding, Customer Capital utilizes analytics-driven tools and state-of-the-art tech to generate quantifiable benefits for both stakeholders and end-users alike.
(ADVERTORIAL DISCLOSURE: The aforementioned press release has been supplied by
PNN
ANI shall not bear any responsibility for the content thereof.
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