Arusha to Host Gastronomy Forum, Malawi Overhauls Tourism Law and more
Welcome to the MICE Africa daily read for MICE Professionals doing business in Africa.
In today’s topics;
- Arusha to host UN Gastronomy Forum
- Fastjet opens Harare–Lusaka route
- IATA brings Aviation Day MENA to Saudi Arabia
- Malawi passes new tourism law
Arusha Hosts UN Gastronomy Forum: Boosting Africa’s Tourism
Arusha, Tanzania will host the 2nd UN Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy for Africa from April 23–25, 2025. This upcoming event unites tourism leaders, policymakers, chefs, and entrepreneurs to strengthen gastronomy as a driver for economic development and inclusive growth. It’s a joint initiative by UNWTO, the Basque Culinary Center, and the Tanzanian government, all aiming to deepen Africa’s role in the global food and travel landscape.
The forum will explore key strategies to advance the gastronomy value chain, from supporting local producers to promoting education and talent within the sector. Discussions will also center on preserving Africa’s culinary heritage, building sustainable food systems, and refining how countries market their food culture globally. Every session is built to provide pathways for long-term growth rooted in local knowledge and creativity.
More than just dialogue, the event promises action through live demonstrations, case studies, and exchange of policy ideas. It’s designed to foster new partnerships and regional cooperation, reinforcing the place of gastronomy tourism in Africa’s wider development agenda.
Fastjet Launches Harare-Lusaka Flights: Boosting Zimbabwe-Zambia Trade & Tourism
Fastjet Zimbabwe has officially launched a new regional route connecting Harare and Lusaka, with flights operating three times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. The service began on April 9th, 2025, using a 50-seater Embraer ERJ145 aircraft tailored for regional comfort and efficiency. The first flight landed in Lusaka to a warm welcome attended by Zambian officials, highlighting the route’s importance to both business and tourism sectors.
The introduction of this new link is expected to strengthen bilateral ties between Zimbabwe and Zambia, fostering economic opportunities, cultural connections, and smoother trade flows. Zambian Minister of Transport and Logistics, Frank Tayali, emphasized the potential for new investment and increased foreign engagement, while Zimbabwean Deputy Minister Joshua Sacco acknowledged the route’s role in expanding Fastjet’s growing regional footprint.
This addition to Fastjet’s network builds on the airline’s presence in Zimbabwean cities including Harare, Bulawayo, and Victoria Falls, as well as key South African destinations like Johannesburg and Nelspruit. Donahue Cortes, Fastjet Zimbabwe’s Business CEO, reiterated the airline’s commitment to regional growth, underlining aviation’s contribution to national development. Passengers on this route will benefit from flexible booking options and generous baggage policies.
Aviation Day MENA 2025: Shaping the Future of Air Travel
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced Aviation Day MENA 2025, set to take place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia from May 6–7, and hosted by Saudia Airlines. This marks the first time the Kingdom hosts the event, a strong signal of its growing role in global aviation under the framework of Vision 2030. The conference will bring together policymakers, industry leaders, and innovators to discuss how collaboration, innovation, and harmonized approaches can drive progress in the region and beyond.
Aviation Day MENA 2025 will cover a wide range of urgent topics shaping the air travel sector, including digital identity technologies, smart data use, airline retailing, and workforce development. Sustainability will be central, with focused discussions on decarbonization, the future of sustainable aviation fuels, and the industry’s environmental responsibilities. Security, safety, and resilience in a shifting geopolitical environment will form another key stream of dialogue.
Expect perspectives from leading voices like Kamil Alawadhi (IATA), Nick Careen (IATA), and Abdulaziz Al-Duailej (GACA), who will lead conversations designed to spark actionable outcomes for the industry. As the MENA region positions itself as a vital link between East and West, this event is not just another conference—it’s a platform to define aviation’s path forward.
Malawi’s New Tourism Law: Modernizing a Nation’s Natural Beauty
Malawi is stepping boldly into the future of tourism with the introduction of the 2025 Tourism Act, a long-overdue update to legislation that dates back to 1968. The new law brings structure and energy to the sector by establishing the Malawi Tourism Authority and the Malawi College of Tourism. This move reflects a serious commitment to reshaping how the country presents itself to global travelers and investors.
The Malawi Tourism Authority will now take charge of product development and destination marketing. This allows the Ministry of Tourism to maintain focus on policy and long-term planning. It’s a strategic division of responsibilities that promises greater efficiency and purpose. The Malawi College of Tourism, replacing the outdated institute, will lead the way in upgrading skills and fostering professionalism within the industry.
Backed by President Lazarus Chakwera’s vision, the Act is designed to unlock the country’s tourism potential, promote investment, and create a stronger, more competitive destination. With this modern framework now in place, Malawi is positioning itself to better showcase its natural beauty and culture to the rest of the world—on smarter, bolder terms.
That’s it for today.