Ethiopian Airlines Bolsters US Reach, Youth Tourism Challenge Heats Up, Seychelles Gets India Flights
Ethiopian Airlines increases Lomé-Newark flights; Africa Youth Tourism Innovation Challenge gets incubation boost; Seychelles welcomes direct flights from India.
Welcome to the MICE Africa daily read for MICE Professionals doing business in Africa.
In today’s topics;
- Ethiopian Airlines increases Lomé-Newark flights
- Africa Youth Tourism Challenge finalists enter incubation
- Seychelles welcomes direct flights from India
Ethiopian Airlines Expands Lomé-Newark Flights: More Options Starting April 2025
Ethiopian Airlines is strengthening its transatlantic presence with increased flight frequency between Lomé and Newark starting April 2025. The airline is shifting its U.S. operations from JFK to Newark Liberty International, a hub known for strong domestic connectivity. The new route will initially operate three times a week and expand to four weekly flights from May 4, 2025.
The service will be operated using Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, offering comfort for up to 245 passengers. Flight ET514 departs Addis Ababa, stops in Lomé, and lands in Newark by evening. The return flight, ET515, follows the reverse itinerary. This route expansion is designed to better connect West Africa with the U.S., benefiting both business and leisure travelers, especially within the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) sector.
There will be temporary service suspensions during this transition. The Addis Ababa–Newark route via Rome pauses from April 15 to June 15, 2025, and again September 5–22, 2025. Lomé–New York services stop briefly between March 29 and April 14, 2025. Once fully active, this expanded service is expected to increase competition on the Africa-U.S. corridor, providing more flexibility and improved travel options for MICE professionals across the continent.
Africa Youth Tourism Innovation Challenge: Winners Get Incubation Boost
Young African tourism innovators are receiving a timely boost through the Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Challenge. Spearheaded by the Africa Tourism Innovation Hub, winners and finalists from the 2024 edition are immersed in an in-depth incubation program run in collaboration with the Cape Peninsula University of Technology’s Business Innovation and Incubation Centre. The program dives into strategy, business model development, value proposition clarity, and design thinking—all tools that sharpen entrepreneurial muscle and turn ideas into action.
Guided by professors Michael Twum-Darko and Keolebogile Motaung, the program has quickly earned praise. Namibian finalist Rosalia Haifiku highlighted the transformative value of the business development sessions. Meanwhile, challenge winner Joseph Owiredu has started a fully sponsored mentorship at the Hyatt Hotel in Johannesburg, thanks to the partnership between Millat Group and Africa Tourism Partners. Altaaf Kazi from Millat Group reaffirmed the company’s commitment to nurturing Africa’s next generation of tourism and hospitality leaders.
The momentum continues as the 7th Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit is scheduled for June 24–27, 2025, in Nairobi, Kenya. It will serve as the stage for new voices and ideas shaping the future of African tourism. The next round of the incubation program is set for May 2025, offering more emerging talents the chance to gain meaningful support and transformation.
Madagascar Unveils “Uncharted” Tourism Campaign: Beyond the Baobabs
Madagascar has launched a fresh tourism campaign titled “Madagascar Uncharted: Beyond the Baobabs” to spotlight the country’s lesser-known travel treasures. The initiative shifts attention from iconic landmarks to hidden gems along the RN7 highway, covering spots like Antsirabe, Fianarantsoa, Andringitra, and Isalo Ranohira. Leading this effort are ten international content creators who are capturing the journey in vivid detail, leveraging social platforms to share Madagascar’s untapped beauty with a global audience.
According to the Madagascar National Tourism Board, this is the country’s most comprehensive tourism push to date. The strategy includes not only the road trip but a broader blend of digital outreach, press trips, influencer partnerships, and collaborations with tour operators. Participation in global tourism fairs remains central to expanding visibility and attracting new travelers to the island.
The government’s commitment backs the campaign through improved air access, upgraded infrastructure, and tourism workforce development. For event planners and MICE stakeholders, Madagascar’s new direction presents fertile ground for distinctive experiences far beyond the usual routes.
India to Seychelles: New Direct Flights Now Available
IndiGo has launched direct flights from Mumbai to Seychelles, marking a major step forward for MICE activities between India and the island nation. With four flights per week, Seychelles is now more accessible and affordable for Indian travelers, thanks to IndiGo’s competitive pricing and strong international network.
The first flight landed on March 22nd, welcomed by local officials and signaling Seychelles’ strategic move to attract a larger share of India’s rapidly growing outbound travel market. This makes it easier for event planners to propose Seychelles as a practical option for corporate gatherings, incentive trips, and conferences.
For MICE professionals, the benefits are clear. Clients can now reach this visually stunning destination with greater ease, while enjoying diverse venue options and the charm of the Seychelles’ natural surroundings. This route opens a fresh gateway to creating unforgettable business events in one of Africa’s most scenic locations.
That’s it for today.