Welcome to the MICE Africa daily read for MICE Professionals doing business in Africa.
In today’s topics;
- Air Tanzania strengthens regional travel with new Kinshasa route.
- Angola launches tourism campaign for German-speaking markets.
- Kenya Airways expands Lagos flights as Nigerians lead frequent flyers.
- MICE suppliers address unethical buyer demands.
Air Tanzania Flies to Kinshasa: Boosting Africa Travel in 2025
Air Tanzania is expanding its network with a new direct flight route between Dar es Salaam and Kinshasa, set to launch in 2025. This move strengthens connectivity between Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo, making travel more accessible for business, trade, and tourism. Kinshasa, as one of Africa’s largest cities, will now have a seamless link to Tanzania, enhancing regional economic activities.
This expansion aligns with Air Tanzania’s broader strategy to become a key player in African aviation. By steadily adding destinations, the airline is improving regional mobility and supporting Tanzania’s position as a major aviation hub in East and Central Africa. Increased connectivity will ease travel logistics, making cross-border collaborations and meetings more efficient.
For the MICE industry, this development means better accessibility for conferences and business events. With direct access to Kinshasa, professionals can expect smoother travel arrangements, fostering stronger business ties across the continent.
Angola’s New Campaign: Reaching the DACH Market
Angola is setting its sights on the DACH market, aiming to attract tourists from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Partnering with the Kleber Group, a leading tourism marketing firm, Angola launches its “Visit Angola – The Rhythm of Life” campaign. While business tourism thrives, this initiative seeks to position Angola as a vibrant leisure destination, highlighting its rich culture, breathtaking landscapes, and warm hospitality.
The campaign spotlights five key destinations: Luanda, the capital with its unique blend of modernity and heritage; Kalandula Falls, one of Africa’s largest waterfalls; Benguela, a coastal haven for water sports; Namibe, where desert landscapes meet the Atlantic; and Huíla, home to the stunning Serra da Leba mountain range. Marketing efforts will ramp up across media channels, with a strong push on training tour operators and agencies, crucial for reaching German-speaking travelers.
Angola is investing heavily in tourism infrastructure, with new high-end hotels and improved flight connectivity. The country already benefits from a direct Lufthansa flight from Frankfurt, with hopes of expanding to daily service. The upcoming Dr. António Agostinho Neto International Airport will further boost accessibility, accommodating up to 15 million passengers annually. With no visa requirements for key markets and a recent nod as one of The New York Times’ top travel destinations for 2025, Angola is making a confident leap into international tourism.
Kenya Airways Expands Lagos Flights: Nigerians Top Frequent Flyers
Kenya Airways is strengthening its ties with Nigeria, recognizing Nigerians as its most frequent flyers.
In response, the airline has increased weekly flights to Lagos from seven to ten, a 21% capacity boost. This expansion comes as passenger numbers between 2023 and 2024 grew by 10,000. The airline’s regional manager, Ngamau Stephen, emphasized Kenya Airways’ commitment to the Nigerian market and welcomed the Nigerian government’s efforts in supporting the aviation sector by releasing trapped airline funds.
Looking ahead, Kenya Airways is exploring partnerships with Nigerian carriers to enhance connectivity. Additionally, Kenya’s visa waivers for many African countries, including Nigeria, are simplifying travel, while the airline’s new stopover packages in Nairobi aim to attract more visitors. With the upcoming addition of London Gatwick as a second UK gateway, Kenya Airways continues to expand its reach, presenting fresh opportunities for the African MICE industry.
Unethical Buyer Behavior in MICE: Suppliers Reveal All
Unethical Buyer Behavior in MICE: A Growing Concern
The African MICE industry is facing a rising challenge: unethical buyer behavior. A recent case involving a convention bureau director and a meeting planner revealed how some planners push the limits of professional courtesy. The director hosted a group at a carefully chosen restaurant, only to be met with an extravagant demand for fine wine—an incident that highlighted a deeper issue of trust erosion.
Industry professionals like Andy Ortiz of Global Incentive Management have noticed an increase in such behavior, particularly since the Covid-19 pandemic. Requests for complimentary upgrades, extended stays, and unnecessary site inspections have become more common. Some planners even create websites solely to justify these trips without legitimate business. The reluctance of suppliers to openly discuss these issues only exacerbates the problem.
To restore balance, professionals like John Klukan from Marriott are implementing stricter policies. He advocates clear guidelines, similar to Fortune 500 standards, to curb unethical demands. Ortiz also recommends thorough screening, including verifying past events and meeting histories. While saying no can be challenging, a collective effort toward transparency and accountability is essential to reclaim integrity in the industry.