ATTA Awards Spotlight Sustainable Tourism, Gulf Air Reconnects Nairobi, and Namibia’s Visa Hurdles
Welcome to the MICE Africa daily read for MICE Professionals doing business in Africa.
In today’s topics;
- ATTA returns with 2025 sustainability awards
- Gulf Air resumes direct Bahrain-Nairobi flights
- Namibia’s new visa rules impact bookings
African Tourism’s Sustainability Champions: ATTA for Action Awards 2025
The ATTA for Action Awards are back for 2025, honoring those pushing African tourism towards a more sustainable and impactful future. Organized by the African Travel & Tourism Association (ATTA), these awards highlight the individuals and organizations working to uplift communities, protect the environment, and promote ethical practices across the continent. This year introduces two new categories: one recognizing media professionals shaping responsible tourism narratives, and another for small, emerging organizations making tangible, on-the-ground change.
Open to a wide range of participants—from accommodation providers and activity suppliers to non-profits and international buyers—the awards are grounded in ATTA’s eight pillars inspired by the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The focus is on replicable and scalable initiatives, making this recognition not just a celebration, but a roadmap for the industry. The Emerging Changemaker Award will spotlight grassroots innovators whose ideas are ready to grow with the right support.
All entries will be evaluated by a panel of responsible tourism experts, ensuring transparency and credibility. Winners will be recognized during a special ceremony on June 23rd, 2025 at Experience Africa, ATTA’s flagship trade event. Interested organizations can submit entries in up to two categories by the May 5th, 2025 deadline. This is more than an accolade—it’s a chance to lead with purpose and build meaningful connections across the global tourism space.
2025 ATTA for Action Awards: Celebrate Sustainable African Tourism
The ATTA for Action Awards return in 2025 to honour outstanding contributions to sustainable tourism across Africa. Organized by the African Travel & Tourism Association, the awards are now in their second edition and serve as a platform to recognize meaningful partnerships and impactful initiatives that support the continent’s tourism transformation.
There are ten award categories, spanning critical areas such as environmental conservation, waste reduction, traveller education, and community upliftment. New for this year are two additions: the “Media Voice for Action” category for media-driven advocacy and the “Emerging Changemaker” award spotlighting rising talent in responsible tourism. Entries are welcome from a wide range of stakeholders, including accommodation providers, tour operators, nonprofits, and international buyers.
Winners will be announced during a dedicated ceremony on June 23rd at Experience Africa, ATTA’s annual B2B trade show in London. The deadline for entries is May 5th. This is a rare opportunity for recognition by an expert panel and a chance to share your story with the global travel community.
Gulf Air Returns to Nairobi: Direct Flights Launch June 2nd
Gulf Air is reinstating direct flights between Bahrain and Nairobi starting June 2nd, after a hiatus since 2012. With five weekly flights using the A320neo aircraft, this move offers new connectivity between Bahrain International Airport and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Scheduled flights on Mondays, Wednesdays, Sundays, plus two on Fridays, bring flexibility and convenience to the route.
For MICE professionals, this return is a strong addition to the logistical tools available for planning. It simplifies travel for delegates, opens up seamless options for incentive trips, and brings Kenya closer to clients and participants from the Middle East. The direct connection positions Nairobi as a stronger contender for hosting regional events that draw attendees from across borders.
This development not only boosts Kenya’s appeal in the MICE sector but also supports smoother operations for conferences, exhibitions, or corporate gatherings. Easier access is key to reducing travel fatigue and expanding the potential audience for events held in East Africa.
Namibia’s New Visa Rules: Tourism Bookings Plummet?
Namibia’s MICE industry is under pressure following the introduction of new visa regulations on April 1st. Citizens from 33 countries, previously allowed visa-free entry, are now required to obtain visas before arriving. This sudden shift is already impacting travel behavior, particularly for events, conferences, and group bookings.
A recent survey offers a clear signal: 42% of respondents reported a drop in bookings since the policy change. For many, the added administrative step is enough to reconsider travel plans. These 33 countries include some of Namibia’s key tourism markets, making the outcome especially critical. Meanwhile, 27% of industry stakeholders are uncertain about what lies ahead, and that very uncertainty complicates planning and investment.
The broader concern is how this will shape the future of Namibia’s meetings and conference sector. The timing of this policy shift has left event organizers and tourism operators scrambling to find ways to adapt. The next few months will be telling, as stakeholders gauge the full impact and seek strategies to keep Namibia competitive in the regional and global MICE landscape.
That’s it for today.