Welcome to the MICE Africa daily read for MICE professionals doing business in Africa.
In today’s topics;
- Mombasa strengthens its cruise tourism appeal.
- Ethiopian Airlines and Etihad announce new flight routes.
- Ethiopian Airlines partners with AfDB on a $7.8B airport project.
- Cape Town Carnival celebrates 15 years of culture and art.
Kenya’s Mombasa Welcomes 845 Cruise Tourists, Setting Record Pace
Kenya’s cruise tourism is gaining momentum with the arrival of the MV Viking Sky at Mombasa port, bringing 845 passengers and 469 crew members. This marks the sixth cruise ship to dock in Kenya since September 2024, putting the country on track to surpass last year’s cruise passenger numbers. The government sees this as a strong boost for the economy, creating opportunities for local businesses and employment, including the 19 Kenyans working aboard the vessel.
The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) continues to promote Mombasa and Lamu as prime destinations, drawing attention from international cruise liners. Efforts to enhance the arrival experience for tourists are also underway, with the planned introduction of a multiple-entry electronic travel authorization system. This will simplify the process for visitors, making Kenya even more accessible for cruise travelers.
With another cruise ship expected before the end of March, Mombasa is reinforcing its role as a key player in regional cruise tourism. The Viking Sky passengers will explore Kenya’s rich attractions over three days, further cementing the country’s position on the global cruise map.
Ethiopian & Etihad Launch Joint Venture: New Addis Ababa-Abu Dhabi Flights
Ethiopian Airlines and Etihad Airways have announced a strategic joint venture to enhance travel between Africa and the Middle East. This partnership includes a codeshare agreement, giving passengers access to more flight options across both networks. As part of the collaboration, Etihad Airways will launch nonstop flights between Abu Dhabi and Addis Ababa starting October 1st, 2025, while Ethiopian Airlines will begin its Abu Dhabi operations earlier, on July 15th, 2025.
The new flight schedule aims to support trade and tourism, making travel between the regions more seamless. Ethiopian Airlines will deploy its Boeing 777 and Airbus A350-1000, while Etihad Airways will operate its A320 family aircraft for the route. Ethiopian’s flight ET 614 will depart Addis Ababa at 9:50 p.m., arriving in Abu Dhabi at 3:10 a.m., with the return flight, ET 615, leaving Abu Dhabi at 4:25 a.m. and landing in Addis Ababa at 7:45 a.m.
Pending regulatory approvals, this collaboration is expected to improve connectivity between major African cities, the UAE, and other key destinations in Asia. By leveraging their respective networks, both airlines will provide a more efficient and valuable experience for travelers crossing these regions.
Cape Town Carnival’s 15th Anniversary: A Spectacular Celebration of Art and Culture
Cape Town Carnival marked its 15th anniversary with a spectacular display of culture, energy, and artistry on March 15th. The city’s streets came alive with dazzling floats, vibrant costumes, and infectious music, drawing thousands of spectators. This annual celebration has become a staple in Cape Town’s cultural calendar, showcasing the rich diversity and artistic expression of its people.
For the African MICE industry, the Carnival presents a unique opportunity to integrate its vibrant atmosphere into events. Whether it’s a corporate function, product launch, or team-building experience, the Carnival’s scale and energy provide an unmatched backdrop. The event is more than a festival—it’s a testament to the power of community, creativity, and collaboration.
With its growing popularity, the Cape Town Carnival reinforces the city’s position as a dynamic event destination. The success of this year’s celebration proves that the fusion of culture and business can create unforgettable experiences. If you are looking to craft engaging and immersive events, this is an inspiration worth exploring.
Ethiopian Airlines & AfDB Partner on $7.8B Mega-Airport Project
Ethiopian Airlines and the African Development Bank (AfDB) have partnered to develop a new international airport near Bishoftu, Ethiopia.
On March 14th, Ethiopian Airlines CEO Mesfin Tasew and AfDB Vice President Nnenna Nwabufo formalized the collaboration through a letter of intent. The AfDB, with its existing $1.2 billion investment in Ethiopia, is now committing financial backing for this $7.8 billion Bishoftu Airport Hub.
Set to accommodate over 60 million passengers annually by 2040, the project aims to ease congestion at Addis Ababa’s Bole International Airport and boost Ethiopia’s role in African aviation. Once complete, this development will enhance connectivity, support economic growth, and further position Ethiopia as a major hub in the MICE industry.
That’s it for today.