Travelive, a distinguished luxury travel agency headquartered in the US and Europe, declared today the official inclusion of Morocco as its latest destination in the expanding roster. The launch encompasses four prime Moroccan locations, notably Marrakech and the Merzouga desert.

With over twenty years of expertise in tailored travel experiences across Greece, Italy, Croatia, Turkey, Spain, Portugal, and Egypt, Travelive will now extend comprehensive luxury FIT (Free Independent Traveler) itineraries, pre- and post-cruise options, shore excursions, specialized guide services, private land, sea, and air transfers, along with round-the-clock client support throughout Morocco.

The adept planners at Travelive have meticulously devised an assortment of itineraries showcasing the enthralling natural landscapes and historical richness of this vibrant destination. These thoughtfully curated plans cater to diverse interests and occasions, from romantic getaways to memorable family vacations.

Armando Maestre, Country Manager, expressed, “Launching Morocco for Travelive marks a significant milestone. It stands as a tribute to the country’s extraordinary beauty, cultural opulence, and the hospitality of its people. I am delighted to be part of this exciting venture and eagerly await welcoming travelers to explore the marvels of Morocco.”

Panos Chalvantzis, Chairman & CEO of Travelive, stated, “Introducing Morocco has long been a cherished aspiration for Travelive. Yet, we aimed to ensure unwavering excellence in service delivery to our clients, partners, and friends at every step, upholding the elevated standards set by all existing destinations within the Travelive Portfolio. Armando and his team have excelled in establishing top-notch services in this exquisite country, and I am thrilled to witness this project come to fruition.”

During this festive season, Seychelles captivated Réunion in a promotional whirlwind, unveiling captivating displays in the nine largest and most bustling shopping malls across the region.

The 2023 marketing campaign in Réunion, titled “Experience Seychelles Big Wow,” concluded with this strategic move, featuring a massive visibility campaign from September to December 2023.

Leading the major marketing initiative, Ms. Bernadette Honore, the representative of Tourism Seychelles in Réunion, orchestrated a comprehensive project using a diverse multi-channel strategy. The primary goal was to actively engage with the Réunion public, with the overarching objective of enhancing visibility for Seychelles and enticing visitors from Réunion to discover the enchanting shores of the archipelago.

Seychelles is prominently showcased as a dream destination on 127 dynamic screens within renowned shopping malls, such as Carrefour Grand Est (Sainte-Suzanne), Carrefour Grand Nord (Sainte-Clotilde), Cap Sacré Coeur – Le Port, Duparc – Sainte-Marie, Grand Large – Saint-Pierre, Savanna Gallery – Saint Paul, Beaulieu Gallery – Saint-Benoit, and Super U – Piton Saint-Leu. These malls represent 70% of Réunion’s largest shopping locations, attracting an impressive 35 million people each year.

The ‘Experience Seychelles Big Wow’ 10-second display highlights Seychelles’ breathtaking surroundings, encompassing the archipelago’s rich cultural and natural environments. The commercial will run throughout December 2023, providing viewers with an immersive experience until the end of January 2024.

For one week, the campaign included above-the-line advertising and brand activation on 15 digital platforms (20-second video), 20 cinema screens (20-second video), television channels (Antenne Réunion and France TV Réunion La Première) featuring a 20-second video, and radio broadcasts (RTL & Rire et Chansons).

In a collaborative effort, Seychelles Tourism partnered with Réunion Travel Trade professionals to execute tactical promotions, aiming to enhance sales opportunities for Seychelles in 2023 and beyond.

Addressing the diverse activations across Réunion, the Tourism marketing representative emphasized the significance of boosting sales through increased brand visibility and heightened consumer engagement on the island.

“As Seychelles assumes a prominent position in Réunion, we have introduced a range of initiatives designed to ignite the curiosity of potential visitors, encouraging them to venture into a journey of exploration across the 115 islands of hidden treasures. Our objective extends beyond merely promoting the captivating charm and irresistible allure of Seychelles; we aspire to extend an invitation for individuals to partake in the crafting of indelible memories within this tropical haven, solidifying it as their paramount travel destination,” expressed Bernadette Honore.

Tourism Seychelles is dedicated to promoting the unique beauty and cultural richness of the Seychelles archipelago, inviting travelers to experience the “Big Wow” of this idyllic paradise.

Tourism Seychelles is delighted to announce that the captivating archipelago comprising 115 islands has warmly received 332,886 visitors as of December 17, 2023.

Recent statistics from the Seychelles National Bureau reveal that arrivals to the destination for the current year have exceeded the corresponding period in 2022, surpassing the previous year’s figures of 316,711 by an impressive 5%.

The destination has attracted considerable attention from key source markets, including Germany, France, Russia, the UK, and Italy. This diverse international visitor mix underscores Seychelles’ widespread popularity and global recognition. With its turquoise waters and lush emerald rainforests, the island nation stands out as the only collection of granitic islands on the planet.

Mrs. Bernadette Willemin, Director General for Destination Marketing, attributes the achievement to a blend of well-thought-out marketing strategies, effective collaboration with local and international partners, and an unyielding commitment to delivering a world-class experience for every visitor.

Mrs. Willemin conveyed in her statement, “We are delighted to have exceeded the visitor numbers from 2022. Despite the prevailing global challenges, we appreciate maintaining our status as one of the most sought-after destinations worldwide. The Seychelles Islands showcase unique features that are certain to captivate global wanderers. As we mark this noteworthy milestone, our commitment remains steadfast in maintaining the highest standards of hospitality. We continue to invest in sustainable practices to safeguard the natural beauty and cultural richness that set Seychelles apart as an unmatched experience.”

Discover the 2024 African Exploration & Commerce Forum (AECF), uniting investors & experts in NYC to advance Africa‘s tourism & trade potential.

The 2024 African Exploration and Commerce Forum (AECF) is set to occur from June 25th to June 27th at Empire Plaza Convention Center, located in New York City. This significant event is spearheaded by Tokende Africa LLC, a firm devoted to fostering growth in African enterprises and highlighting the continent’s tourism and investment prospects.

Spanning over three days, AECF 2024 aims to assemble a diverse group of stakeholders including investors, government officials, tourism specialists, and entrepreneurs, all united by their commitment to enhancing Africa’s tourism sector. The forum will encompass various activities such as conference discussions, business-to-business interactions, rapid marketing sessions, networking opportunities, and exploratory visits to African investment sites and project areas.

Distinguished speakers and panel members at AECF 2024 will include:

• H.E Ambassador Josefa Leonel Correia Sacko of the African Union Commission, overseeing Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Development
• Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank
• Mr. Babio El-Kir Moudachirou, Executive Secretary of the Africa Tourism Organization and CEO of ID Territoires
• Grant Fowls, renowned author and Social Entrepreneur for the Rhino Alliance project
• Michael Balogun, CEO and Founder of Xtrm Tour2Nigeria Ltd
• Alain St Ange, ex-Minister of Tourism for Seychelles and leader of Saint Ange Tourism Consultancy
• Gbenga Omotayo, CEO of USAfrica Business Hub

Additional esteemed speakers are expected to confirm their attendance in the upcoming weeks.

The theme for AECF 2024 is “Selling Africa As One”, mirroring Tokende Africa’s ambition to promote the continent’s diverse appeal as a unified destination for tourism and investment. The event will also focus on the successes and challenges faced by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which seeks to establish a unified market for goods and services, encourage the free movement of people, and foster economic unity across African nations.

Anticipated to draw over 3,000 participants globally, including media representatives, trade visitors, and buyers, AECF 2024 will also feature a dedicated pavilion for startups and a sustainability village, showcasing innovative and environmentally responsible solutions for the tourism industry.

The 2024 African Exploration and Commerce Forum presents a pivotal opportunity for businesses in tourism and travel, government investment agencies, national tourism boards, NGOs, and associations to display their offerings, expand their market presence, and tap into new markets.

Kenya Airways (KQ) has expanded its codeshare alliance with South African Airways (SAA) to include direct flights from South Africa to South America. This collaboration offers seamless travel from Johannesburg to Sao Paulo, Brazil, via KQ’s codeshare on SAA’s Sao Paulo flight (GRU) starting this month. This partnership creates exceptional connectivity, providing the most direct flight option in contrast to longer routes through other continents.

This strategic alliance focuses on enhancing connectivity and the passenger experience, combining the strengths of both leading African airlines. It offers travelers a superior option for journeys between Africa and South America, significantly reducing carbon footprint and promoting sustainability in air travel.

Julius Thairu, Chief Commercial and Customer Officer at Kenya Airways, expressed the excitement surrounding this strategic move, stating, “Customers will now enjoy expanded strategic cooperation, offering enhanced connectivity and a superior joint offering. Together, we are dedicated to providing passengers with unmatched travel options, world-class services, and an expanded global reach.”

The collaboration ensures seamless travel, integrating Kenya Airways’ network with South African Airways’ South American routes under one ticket. Passengers will enjoy simplified logistics, reduced layover times, and an overall enhanced travel experience from Kenya to Brazil.

By redefining air travel, Kenya Airways and South African Airways are now providing the most direct route, eliminating extended layovers typically seen in other continents.

Morocco shines as a cultural hub; we proudly launch the first Park Hyatt, enriching this vibrant land’s hospitality scene.

Today marks a significant milestone for Hyatt Hotels Corporation, listed on the New York Stock Exchange as H, as they unveil their latest luxury resort, the Park Hyatt Marrakech. This prestigious launch signifies the first foray of the Park Hyatt brand into Morocco, further expanding its African footprint, alongside the existing Park Hyatt Zanzibar and the upcoming Park Hyatt Johannesburg, expected in 2025. Nestled in a serene, off-the-grid locale about 9 miles from the historic Medina district in Marrakech, the resort covers a sprawling 19 acres (7.5 hectares) at the Atlas Mountains’ foothills. The resort is enveloped by lush landscapes of palm, olive, and jacaranda trees and shares proximity with the renowned Al Maaden Golf resort, providing guests with exclusive access to its 18-hole golf course.

Distinguished by its unique blend of modern and traditional Arab-Berber elements, Park Hyatt Marrakech offers a luxurious yet homely experience. It invites global travelers to immerse themselves in the wonders of Marrakech and Moroccan culture, blending authentic designs and environmental harmony with contemporary art, world-class dining, and bespoke wellness offerings.

Featuring 16 pavilions organized around a central, zeolite courtyard, Park Hyatt Marrakech redefines luxury with its personal and discreet service. It offers guests a range of unique experiences, from breakfast in a hot-air balloon over the Three Atlas Valleys to dinner in a Bedouin tent in the Agafay desert, alongside premium electric car airport transfers and more.

Javier Águila, Group President for Europe, Africa, Middle East, and Asia (EAME) of Hyatt, expressed enthusiasm for the Marrakech property’s opening. “Morocco’s emergence as a top destination for cultural tourism is exciting, and we’re delighted to unveil the inaugural Park Hyatt hotel in this dynamic nation. This addition aligns with our regional expansion goals and presents new artistic, cultural, and culinary experiences set against the backdrop of the country’s rich history and traditions. Park Hyatt Marrakech is the latest jewel in our EAME portfolio, joining other prestigious locations like Doha, Vienna, Istanbul, Dubai, Zurich, Milan, and Paris.”

Modern Moroccan Design and Artistic Collaboration

Imaad Rahmouni, a celebrated Marrakech-based architect, has skillfully infused Arab-Berber tradition into Park Hyatt Marrakech’s contemporary design. Striking a balance between modern comforts and traditional Moroccan craftsmanship, the design seamlessly integrates stunning views of the surrounding landscape into its interiors. Key features include a grand lobby window, spa treatment rooms, and sunbeds at the main pool, all offering breathtaking views of the Atlas Mountains and Mount Toubkal.

The hotel’s 130 spacious, residential-style rooms and suites are designed with Moroccan flair, featuring traditional Berber wool carpets and Tataoui motif headboards, complemented by modern art pieces. In collaboration with Ifitry Artists’ Residence, over 700 unique paintings and decorative items have been curated, showcasing talent from Morocco and internationally. The lobby is adorned with nearly 600 handmade ceramic pieces by Mounat Charrat, resembling a meteorite constellation, and is further enhanced by abstract artworks from Italian artist Gianni Lucchessi.

Culinary Excellence and Wellbeing Focus

Park Hyatt Marrakech boasts a range of dining experiences, reflecting the brand’s commitment to culinary artistry. TFAYA, an arabesque brasserie, features innovative dishes by Moroccan chef Issam Rhachi, while Le Pavillon offers a light, all-day menu in a tranquil outdoor setting. The Living Room, a signature Park Hyatt space, serves Moroccan mint tea and innovative cocktails alongside a tapas menu in a cozy, fireplace-lit ambiance.

The spa, covering over 23,000 square feet, is a sanctuary dedicated to Moroccan hammam rituals and holistic therapies, featuring products from Sodashi and Nectarome. The hotel also includes a fully-equipped fitness center, yoga studio, and various indoor and outdoor pools, each offering spectacular views.

Versatile Event Spaces

With seven function rooms, Park Hyatt Marrakech caters to a range of events, from weddings to corporate meetings. Each space, designed with a desert-inspired, residential feel, accommodates up to 80 guests and features rooftop terraces with panoramic views.

Pascal Leprou, General Manager of Park Hyatt Marrakech, looks forward to welcoming guests to this exclusive retreat. “Our goal is to provide a luxurious yet intimate experience, blending the essence of Moroccan culture with Park Hyatt’s signature sophistication. We’ve created a sanctuary that not only captivates but also deeply enriches the travel experience for our discerning guests.”

The Jinhua African Culture and Tourism Promotion Center was formally set up in Cape Town, South Africa on December 19. Officials from several segments, comprising the South African administration, academia, and the tourism sector, assembled for inaugurating this center. This marks the ending of this year’s ‘Heart-to-Heart, Cultural Exchange, Win-Win Cooperation’ China-Africa cultural collaboration and exchange month sequence of events.

Officials from the Western Cape Tourism Bureau, Zara Theoman, Marria Abrabs, the Director of development and training at a South African university along with other notable personalities took part in the event. They introduced and spoke for setting up of the Jinhua Cultural and Tourism Promotion Center in Africa. The center’s founding will deliver a steady and integrated stage for communication in the Sino-African traditional and tourism sector, boosting detailed collaboration in domains like cultural advancement and tourism relationship.

In the days to come, the center will efficiently reinforce cultural interactions between Zhejiang and Africa, additionally supporting the local upgrading of Jinhua’s cultural tourism. Local collaboration with Africa is a vital constituent of China-Africa associations, and in current times, with the upkeep and backing of the Zhejiang Provincial Party Committee and Government, Jinhua has devoted abundant significance for growing dealings with Africa.

Statistics South Africa recently released official international arrival figures for January to November 2023, showcasing a continued surge in the South African tourism sector.

During this period, international tourist arrivals reached 7.6 million, indicating an impressive 51.8% increase compared to the same period in 2022. Although this upward trend towards pre-COVID-19 levels is promising, it remains 17.6% lower than the same timeframe in 2019.

South Africa retains its allure for both domestic and international travelers, demonstrating the tourism sector’s success in driving travel to the country, fostering cultural exchanges, and contributing to inclusive economic growth.

Key Highlights by Region:

1. African Continent: South Africa welcomed 5.8 million visitors from other African nations, constituting 75.5% of all arrivals, showcasing a substantial increase compared to 2022. Zimbabwe and Kenya notably experienced remarkable growth, with Zimbabwe recording a 77.5% increase and Kenya a 94.2% surge in tourist arrivals.
2. The Americas: Tourist arrivals from the Americas totaled 411,254, marking a 44.1% growth, with the United States contributing significantly to this increase.
3. Europe: Europe contributed 1.1 million tourist arrivals, representing a 43.2% increase. The United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, and Russia showed notable growth in arrivals.
4. Asia: Asian markets displayed significant growth, with 182,497 arrivals, led by India and China, showcasing a surge of 46.3% and 215.7%, respectively.
5. Middle East: The Middle East witnessed a robust increase of 37.5% in arrivals, with notable growth from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Minister of Tourism, Patricia De Lille, expressed satisfaction with the growth, particularly highlighting successful strategies in simplifying visa regimes, effective marketing campaigns, and collaborative efforts. However, she emphasized the need for further policy revisions to unlock barriers such as visa regulations, safety concerns, and limited air access to propel more significant sector growth and contribute meaningfully to the country’s economy.

The Minister concluded by expressing gratitude to South Africans for their hospitality and extended a warm welcome to all visitors, anticipating continued tourism growth and South Africa’s sustained charm and attractiveness.

Statistics South Africa recently released official international arrival figures for January to November 2023, reaffirming the upward trajectory of the South African tourism sector.

From January to November 2023, international tourist arrivals reached 7.6 million, marking an impressive 51.8% surge compared to the same period in 2022. While the recovery towards pre-COVID-19 levels is promising, this performance is still 17.6% lower than the corresponding period in 2019.

South Africa continues to allure both domestic and international travelers, with the tourism sector effectively promoting travel to the country, fostering cultural exchanges, and contributing to inclusive economic growth.

Key Highlights:

1. Africa Leading the Way:

• In the first eleven months of 2023, South Africa welcomed 5.8 million visitors from the African continent, constituting a substantial 75.5% of all arrivals, compared to 2022.
• Zimbabwe and Kenya exhibited remarkable growth, with Zimbabwe experiencing a 77.5% increase in tourist arrivals and Kenya recording a 94.2% surge.

1. Strong Momentum from the Americas:

• Tourist arrivals from the Americas between January and November 2023 totaled 411,254, reflecting a 44.1% growth from the same period in 2022.
• The United States of America contributed significantly, with 320,948 arrivals, marking a 39.5% increase.

1. European Markets Displaying Strength:

• Europe contributed 1.1 million tourist arrivals, representing 14.6% of the total arrivals, and marking a 43.2% increase from the same period in 2022.
• The United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, and Russia demonstrated substantial growth, with Russia exhibiting an 83.9% increase.

1. Noteworthy Growth from Asian Markets:

• Asian markets showed significant growth, with a total of 182,497 arrivals, a remarkable 72.6% increase from the same period in the previous year.
• India and China led the way, with India experiencing a 46.3% growth and China a massive 215.7% surge.

1. Solid Gains from the Middle East:

• The Middle East registered a robust increase, with 51,779 arrivals in the January to November 2023 period, reflecting a 37.5% growth from 2022.
• Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates displayed noteworthy growth, with the latter recording a remarkable 114.2% increase.

Despite these positive trends, there is recognition that more can be achieved with policy and regulation revisions. The commitment to addressing barriers such as visa regulations, safety concerns, and limited air access is emphasized to further unlock the potential for growth in the tourism sector. Minister of Tourism Patricia De Lille expresses optimism about South Africa’s sustained charm, attractiveness, and ongoing tourism growth.

BAR Aviation, a prominent figure in Uganda’s aviation sector, remains at the forefront of wildlife conservation efforts. On December 6, 2023, BAR achieved another milestone by successfully ferrying five black rhinos from Limpopo, South Africa, with layovers in Zambia and Burundi, before reaching their final destination in Zakouma, Chad. The L100 cargo plane, known for its reliability, played a crucial role in the mission, aimed at repopulating Zakouma National Park.

This accomplishment stands as BAR Aviation’s second major contribution to the transportation of these magnificent creatures. Previously, on June 3rd and 4th, 2023, the L100 facilitated the secure journey of white rhinos from South Africa to Congo.

BAR reiterates its unwavering commitment to wildlife preservation and environmental sustainability. Through its cargo transportation expertise, the company actively supports global conservation initiatives, collaborating with organizations dedicated to protecting endangered species. Notably, these black rhinos had been locally extinct for more than 40 years.

Native to eastern and southern Africa, black rhinos are critically endangered, with just 6,487 individuals across the entire continent in 2022, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) red list. Despite their precarious status, poaching remains a significant threat, with at least 561 rhinos falling victim to poachers in the referenced year.

BAR’s impact on global wildlife conservation goes beyond its operational boundaries. The successful transportation to Chad aimed to repopulate the region after the only two remaining females had endured a solitary existence for over five years. Earlier attempts at translocating six black rhinos had resulted in the unfortunate death of four of them. BAR not only contributes to black rhino preservation but also promotes international cooperation in safeguarding endangered species and their habitats.

Clinton Moodley, the Head of Cargo at BAR, conveyed his satisfaction with the crucial role played by the company in this vital conservation initiative: “Being a company firmly dedicated to ethical and sustainable practices, we derive immense pride from our contribution to the protection of endangered species. The successful transfer of black rhinos to Chad serves as a testament to our unwavering commitment to positively influencing global ecosystems. Enduring a 36-hour journey spanning 4,400 km (2,734 miles), these rhinos are adapting well in their Bomas. Our commitment remains steadfast as we persist in collaborating with experts and organizations, ensuring the maintenance of the highest standards in wildlife conservation.”

BAR Aviation, headquartered in Uganda, stands as a leading aviation company committed to excellence in cargo transportation and actively supporting wildlife conservation initiatives. The company offers a comprehensive range of services, including private charter flights, BAR emergency medical response, an aviation academy, maintenance and repair, and more.