Cape Town's V&A Waterfront: Record-Breaking Festive Season for Event Planners
Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront closed out 2024 with record-breaking numbers, welcoming over three million visitors in December alone. This surge brought a major boost to local businesses, generating nearly R1.4 billion in sales. From bustling craft vendors to high-end boutiques, retail saw strong performance, with independent fashion stores particularly excelling. Attractions like the Two Oceans Aquarium and Zeitz MOCAA Museum also reported increased foot traffic, underscoring the waterfront’s role as a premier destination for both locals and tourists.
A key driver of this success was the "Joy from Africa To The World" campaign, which highlighted local artisans and sustainable creations. The 2024 theme, "Between the Mountain and the Sea," showcased Cape Town’s natural beauty through vibrant installations, including a festive tree raising awareness for endangered African penguins. With such a strong festive season, the future looks positive for the waterfront, reinforcing its position as an economic and cultural hub in Cape Town.
Africa's Youth: Shaping Tourism's Future – Innovation Challenge Update
Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Challenge 2025 is calling on young talents to bring fresh ideas into the tourism sector. With the submission deadline set for February 28, 2025, this initiative offers innovators aged 18-35 an opportunity to secure funding, mentorship, partnerships, and global exposure. The challenge is open to anyone with a unique, sustainable, and impactful tourism-related project. Participants will be evaluated on originality, feasibility, and potential economic and social benefits.
The top five finalists will be revealed at the 7th Africa Youth in Tourism Summit, scheduled for June 10-13, 2025, in Nairobi. This premier gathering will bring together industry stakeholders, investors, and visionaries eager to shape Africa’s tourism future. With networking events, exhibitions, and insightful sessions, the summit is set to be a platform for collaboration and growth. Don’t miss the chance to inspire and be inspired—submit your project before the deadline.
Africa's Top On-Time Airlines for January 2025
Safair has taken the global lead in on-time performance, achieving an impressive 94.2% punctuality rate for January 2025. According to OAG Aviation’s latest report, this South African carrier outperformed major international airlines, underscoring its operational efficiency. At the other end of the spectrum, EgyptAir struggled with only 52.9% of its flights arriving on time, reflecting broader challenges in supply chain disruptions and fleet expansion setbacks. These disparities emphasize the importance of reliability when planning travel across Africa.
For the MICE industry, choosing punctual airlines is not just a convenience—it’s a necessity. Delays create a ripple effect that impacts event schedules, attendee experiences, and logistical planning. With disruptions costing the aviation sector $60 billion annually, efficiency isn’t just about reputation; it’s about sustainability. As African airlines continue investing in technology and infrastructure, the focus remains on delivering a consistently dependable travel experience. Safair’s success serves as proof that it’s possible.