In today’s read;
- Akwa Ibom bets on seasoned tourism leadership
- Tanzania hesitates on tourist insurance fee
- CCI fuels cargo efficiency across Africa
Akwa Ibom Appoints Tourism Leader to Boost Hotel & MICE Development
Akwa Ibom State has appointed a new leader to revitalize its tourism sector.
Ime Udo, a highly respected figure in Nigerian tourism, will now head the Akwa Ibom State Hotels and Tourism Board.
Her extensive experience, including her previous role as President of the Nigerian Association of Tour Operators (NATOP), makes her ideally suited for this position. She has received numerous accolades for her contributions to the industry, including the prestigious Africa Travel 100 Women Award.
Udo’s appointment is expected to significantly boost hotel and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) development within the state. She will focus on improving hospitality standards, attracting more investment, and highlighting Akwa Ibom’s unique cultural and natural assets. This aligns perfectly with the state government’s broader goal of establishing Akwa Ibom as a leading tourist destination in Nigeria’s South-South region.
Tanzania Postpones Tourist Insurance Fee: Relief and Concerns for Business Tourism Stakeholders
Tanzania’s planned $44 mandatory travel insurance fee for tourists has been postponed.
The government initially aimed to implement this fee as part of the 2025/26 budget, amending the Insurance Act.
The Tourism Confederation of Tanzania (TCT) and other industry stakeholders strongly opposed the plan. They argued it would harm Tanzania’s image, deter tourists, and potentially lead to double-charging visitors to both mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar.
Concerns remain, however, regarding the policy’s long-term implications. The TCT emphasizes the need for comprehensive consultations and a balanced approach that considers both revenue and the long-term health of the tourism sector. The industry worries that the policy, as proposed, could negatively impact Tanzania’s efforts to improve its international reputation in aviation safety and tourism.
CCI’s $12.7M Logistics Initiative Streamlines Cargo Movement for Africa’s Business Tourism
CCI Worldwide Logistics is significantly investing in Africa’s trade infrastructure.
A $12.7 million initiative, called ‘Trans Africa’, aims to improve cargo movement across the continent. This will streamline processes and boost cross-border trade.
The project focuses on key African nations initially, including Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Ghana, and Egypt. It will then expand to other regions, addressing logistical bottlenecks through a technologically advanced freight solution. The platform integrates various transport modes, offers real-time tracking, and uses AI for smart routing.
CCI’s ‘Trans Africa’ platform is designed to handle 5,000 TEUs annually and aims to facilitate the movement of crucial goods such as pulses, auto parts, pharmaceuticals, and automobiles. It supports shippers, transporters, and customs authorities via a unified digital platform, even in areas with limited bandwidth. The company’s long-term commitment to building efficient freight corridors across Africa positions it to benefit exporters, freight forwarders, and other businesses seeking reliable logistics partnerships.
That’s it for today, thank you for reading.