SEYCHELLES: Air Seychelles Increases Flights To Johannesburg From Seychelles To 6 Per Week

Air Seychelles announces increase in frequency of its flights between Seychelles and Johannesburg to six flights per week starting from Tuesday, 3 July, 2018.

The new service has been introduced to meet the strong travel demand on the Johannesburg route, with increasing number of guests visiting the Seychelles archipelago.

Remco Althuis, Chief Executive Officer of Air Seychelles, said: We are delighted to provide more choice to our travellers especially during the upcoming peak summer months.

The new service, which will be operated by Airbus A320 aircraft, will provide an additional 252 seats per week between South Africa and our beautiful islands.

In addition, guests looking to travel via Seychelles to Mumbai will be provided a seamless connectivity of less than 2 hours via Seychelles.

South Africa and Seychelles have very strong ties and we are confident that the additional frequency between the two regional centres will further strengthen the cooperation in terms of both tourism and trade.

We will continue to explore opportunities and implement key initiatives across our regional network to further develop and strengthen our business moving forward.

Air Seychelles currently operates five weekly flights between Seychelles and Johannesburg on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

The flight schedule as from 3 July, 2018 is as follows:

Tourism Observer

ANGOLA: Luanda Is World’s Most Expensive City

The Angolan capital Luanda has knocked Hong Kong off the top spot in an annual survey by Mercer Consulting that ranks the cost of living for expatriate workers in world cities.

The survey found the cost of renting a two-bedroom apartment suitable for expatriates in Luanda was £4,800 ($6,055) per month, while a fast food hamburger meal priced at £11.50.

It was the second time in three years that Luanda topped the survey, which compares the costs of housing, transport and clothing in 209 cities.

While Luanda rose, all UK cities fell significantly in this year’s rankings which were released on Wednesday, with 30th-ranked London dropping 13 places from 2016.

The survey suggested that the country’s vote to leave the European Union had played a role in the drop by causing the value of sterling to fall.

Mercer found that a number of African cities continue to rank high in this year’s survey, reflecting high living costs and prices of goods for experts.

Luanda is followed by Victoria in the Seychelles (14th), N’Djamena in Chad (16th), and Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (18th).

Lagos, the commercial capital of Nigeria, is ranked 29th and not among the top five African cities that are very expensive.

The Angolan capital Luanda has knocked Hong Kong off the top spot in an annual survey by Mercer Consulting that ranks the cost of living for expatriate workers in world cities.

The survey found the cost of renting a two-bedroom apartment suitable for expatriates in Luanda was £4,800 ($6,055) per month, while a fast food hamburger meal priced at £11.50.

It was the second time in three years that Luanda topped the survey, which compares the costs of housing, transport and clothing in 209 cities.

While Luanda rose, all UK cities fell significantly in this year’s rankings which were released on Wednesday, with 30th-ranked London dropping 13 places from 2016.

The survey suggested that the country’s vote to leave the European Union had played a role in the drop by causing the value of sterling to fall.

Mercer found that a number of African cities continue to rank high in this year’s survey, reflecting high living costs and prices of goods for experts.

Luanda is followed by Victoria in the Seychelles (14th), N’Djamena in Chad (16th), and Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (18th).

Lagos, the commercial capital of Nigeria, is ranked 29th and not among the top five African cities that are very expensive.

World’s 10 most expensive cities

1. Luanda, Angola

2. Hong Kong, Hong Kong

3. Tokyo, Japan

4. Zurich, Switzerland

5. Singapore, Singapore

6. Seoul, South Korea

7. Geneva, Switzerland

8. Shanghai, China

9. New York City, US

10. Bern, Switzerland

World’s 10 least expensive cities

200. Minsk, Belarus

201. Karachi, Pakistan

202. Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

203. Monterrey, Mexico

204. Tbilisi, Georgia

205. Blantyre, Malawi

206. Windhoek, Namibia

206. Skopje, Macedonia

208. Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

209. Tunis, Tunisia



Tourism Observer

MALDIVES: Maldives Has Become An Increasingly Popular Honeymoon Destination

Whether it’s for a honeymoon or an amorous escape, the Maldives with its 26 atolls, almost 1,200 islands, and over 120 luxury escapes to choose from, it comes as no surprise that the Maldives has become an increasingly popular honeymoon destination.

Brides magazine by leading travel company Condé Nast – host to some of the biggest publications such as Vogue and The New Yorker – has published winners of the Brides 2017 Honeymoon Awards. The Maldives was ranked in the fourth spot from an extravagant list that included 20 of the most romantic honeymoon destinations in the world.

“The lush, picture-perfect islands that make up this Indian Ocean archipelago are light-years beyond your average beach destination,” described Brides magazine.

Naming some of the private-island resorts in the Maldives – the likes of Soneva Jani, St. Regis Maldives Vommuli, and Four Seasons Maldives Private Island at Voavah – the magazine described the islands as being “ringed by colorful coral reefs teeming with fish and the occasional shark.”

It suggested travellers, especially those seeking the perfect honeymoon destinations, to visit the Maldives and “spend your days snorkelling, scuba diving, and lounging on the deck of your overwater villa; by night, dine by candlelight on freshly caught fish and organic veggies, then follow that with a stargazing sesh with a NASA-worthy telescope.”

Winners of the 2017 Brides Honeymoon Awards showcase a wide diversity of destinations that have made the list including French Polynesia, Italy, The Hawaiian Islands, Greece, Bali, Mexico, Thailand, Fiji, South Africa, France, St. Lucia, Turks & Caicos, Costa Rica, Seychelles, Australia, New Zealand, St. Barth, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic.

In its pursuit of discovering the most romantic hot spots of the world, Brides teamed up with A-list agents at Virtuoso, a global network of more than 15,000 luxury-travel specialists. Given the endless romantic destinations, countless hotel options paired with limited vacation time, Brides magazine explained that “picking the perfect honeymoon is no easy feat.”

Sun Siyam Resorts has unveiled ‘Uncover Asia’ – offering travellers 5% off on all room types when a Sun Siyam Resort in Maldives is booked together with Sun Aqua Pasikudah in Sri Lanka. The Uncover Asia package is valid for guests travelling anytime between May 9 and November 1.

In addition, guests booking with the Sun Siyam Irufushi Maldives from May 9 to September 30 are eligible for another special offer; free dining plan upgrades where guests benefit from a complimentary upgrade to the next dining plan.

According to the resort, guests booking bed and breakfast can indulge themselves in free dinner, while guests booking half-board are upgraded and provided with free lunch. Guests booking full-board get a free upgrade to the all-inclusive package, the resort said.

The Sun Siyam brand currently operates boutique luxury resorts in the Maldives and Sri Lanka; Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Maldives, Olhuveli Beach & Spa Maldives, Sun Aqua Vilu Reef Maldives and Sun Aqua Pasikudah, Sri Lanka.

Lily Beach Resort and Spa has appointed Patrice Aira as the new Resort Manager. A French national from Toulouse, Patrice joined the Lily Beach team in March.

Patrice started his career as a busboy in the dining room of Four Seasons Hotel in Seattle and worked up the ladder in the food and beverages division of several hotels before he was appointed the Resort Manager at Four Seasons Resort in Mauritius.

“The Maldives is the epitome of paradise. In addition to the natural allure, I wanted to experience the Maldives’ hospitality industry first hand,” he said about the Maldives.

“Plus, the proximity of Sri Lanka and India brings about a nice mix of cultures that I was curious to discover.”

Patrice also worked as a Consultant for Richey International Ltd. and an Auditor for MKG QUALITING before his latest appointment at Lily Beach.

“When I arrived at the resort, I was amazed by the shades of blue that were surrounding the island. Also, the friendly faces that you see right upon the arrival… it’s a truly welcoming feeling,” he said.

“Everyone is loyal and focused on providing personalised service from the bottom of their heart. I’ve never seen anything like that before. What also reveals that Lily Beach stands head over shoulders above several other holiday destinations is the fact that so many of our guests feel like at home here and keep returning to the resort year after year, he said, explaining what makes Lily Beach a fascinating island.

“It’s especially inspiring to hear that even those guests who pride themselves in never spending their holiday at the same place twice make an exception with Lily!”

Patrice has an astounding fascination for diving, He said: “I devote the majority of my spare time on the island to diving the astounding coral reefs of South Ari Atoll.” He completed his Master of Business Administration at the Ecole Supérieure Internationale de Savignac in France.

Rewind back a couple of years and for most holiday-makers, the concept of wellness rarely went beyond spas. From carefully curated massages and scrubs offered in luxurious facilities, to the occasional yoga session in the morning, the definition of wellness remained very confined and vague.

But today, the scene has shifted to more travelers looking for a true escape, not just to relax a tired body, but to calm an overly stressed mind. This is where the hospitality industry comes to play.

With lifestyles becoming more hectic day by day, people have been prioritising personal wellbeing and integrating aspects of it into their holidays. The hospitality industry, especially within tropical destinations, has been observing a shift from party-centric holidays, to soothing escapes.

Last year, the wellness industry raked in a whopping US$3.7 trillion (2016, Global Wellness Summit) within the global economy. Beyond the spas, holiday makers have been putting their trust in different ends of the wellness spectrum to embrace healthier habits.

As a word, it might be modern. But as a concept, wellness dates back to the ancient times of the Roman baths. Over the years, “spa” has created an identity for itself while “wellness” is still trying to find its true place. WHO’s definition of health, “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity”, is what laid the groundwork for wellness in the mid-20th century.

An estimated breakdown of the wellness industry cluster shows surprising results. While the component of “spa” contributes to the industry, other elements of the cluster have overtaken it. The cluster has separated elements that are wellness-oriented approaches and conventional medical-oriented approaches.

Beauty and anti-ageing tops the wellness cluster, with healthy eating and nutrition contributing the second largest chunk, and the spa industry ranking number 8 out of the 10 sectors.

Several institutes have predicted select wellness trends that travelers are moving towards this year, with the Global Wellness Summit identifying 8 trends for 2017 and beyond. Together with trends identified by other institutes, below are some of the key trends with huge potential for hoteliers to tap into.

The origins of spa saw men being very inclusive in the scene, yet overtime, spa and wellness became an approach that had more of a feminine touch to it. However, recent trends are showing the evolution from the “macho man” to the “modern man”, who is more accepting of escaping to a wellness holiday, with properties branding packages just for men.

A “Gentleman’s retreat” may include a more active itinerary with activities such as boxing, aqua fitness and winding down with a massage or even a skin care routine.

For more and more people, ageing gracefully is becoming a personal target in life. The mass appeal has provided a rise in preventative health care, with holiday makers seeking anti-ageing options to slow down the biological clock. A rising popularity for this is also coupled with travelers seeking stop-smoking retreats to help break bad habits and build the first steps to a healthier lifestyle. It is time for hoteliers to embrace the trend of ageing gracefully.

Long gone are the days when you see every single guest load up daily on sausages and fried eggs at the buffet breakfast! This is the age of detox, proportioning nutritious meals, ridding the body of toxins, keeping away from certain proteins such as gluten not by need, but by choice.

Holiday-makers are starting to explore more holistic resorts where dining and wellness are integrated. Fasting and ridiculously small-sized diet portions are not in the picture anymore, replaced with organic and filling meals that provide an overall satisfying experience.

Many of the predicted trends are already in play, with more resorts and retreats planning to cater to these travelers with different experiences. In September 2017, the Wellness Summit by Hotelier Maldives will bring together all the movers and shakers within the Maldivian hospitality industry, in an attempt to explore the potential to fuel the trends for the wellness industry in the Maldives, and imagine innovative directions to move forward.

The next article in the series will look into the current state of the wellness industry within the hospitality scene in Maldives, exploring the minds of key innovative leaders.

ZAMBIA: Tourism Expo Opens

The mighty Victoria Falls, aka 'Mosi oa Tunya | The Smoke That Thunders' is just one of the many attractions which feature prominently at ZATEX 2016, short for Zambia Tourism Expo. The second edition of the event went underway yesterday in the capital city of Lusaka.

Venue is the sprawling complex of the Mulungushi International Conference Centre where nearly 50 exhibitors from Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Malawi, the Seychelles, Mozambique, Botswana but notably also from as far as Indonesia are showcasing their companies and attractions.
RETOSA, the Regional Tourism Organization of Southern Africa, which brings together 15 member countries, was also represented at the expo.

65 hosted buyers had come to Zambia to meet the local tourism industry, as well as regional tourism authorities like Zimbabwe, airlines present like RwandAir - one of the key sponsors of ZATEX 2016 - Air Namibia or local carrier ProFlight, to talk business and the 'speed dating' set up in the afternoon turned out to be a beehive of activities as buyers and sellers met face to face though working on the clock. This was later followed at an easier pace when the Radisson Blu Lusaka hosted all participants, invited guests from Lusaka's business community and the media for a social evening which turned out to be more of a second networking event then a mere cocktail party.

Main host, Zambia Tourism Agency's CEO Mr. Felix Chaila, welcomed his guests, who came from as far as Japan, India, Germany, France and the UK while African participants traveled to Lusaka from South Africa, neighbouring Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, Angola, Mozambique, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania including Zanzibar, Uganda but also Ghana.

While, in comparison to last week's Sanganai 2016 - Zimbabwe's 15th edition of their tourism trade show, ZATEX was more compact, it is a valiant effort to showcase Zambia's tourism attractions, given that this is only the second edition of the event and that the dates, due to circumstances beyond ZTA's control had to be shifted. Nevertheless has the exhibition literally doubled in size compared to the inaugural event in 2015, a sign that Zambia may at last become the 'en vogue' destination the local tourism marketers were long hoping for.

Twelve travel trade journalists too attended the show on invitation of Zambia Tourism, aiming to make an impact in their home countries like India, South Africa, Germany, France but also Angola, Zimbabwe and Uganda, where global market leader's eTurboNews Africa Correspondent is based.

Today's proceedings will be marked by the official opening of ZATEX 2016. Zambia's Minister for Tourism and Art, the Hon. Jean Kapata will tour the exhibition in the morning to meet hosted buyers, exhibitors and the media. She will then, later in the afternoon, invite the Guest of Honour who is none other than President Edgar Lunga to officially open the event.

SEYCHELLES: Discover Serene Seychelles

With his menacing spear pointed right at me, the tall Maasai warrior slowly stalked closer. About two feet away, he froze; his rugged, red ochre-covered face and piercing glare filled my viewfinder. As I peeked out from behind my camera, his clenched jaw quickly relaxed into a wide grin with gleaming teeth.

Surprisingly, my Maasai interaction didn’t happen in some remote Kenyan village but at Carnival International de Victoria in the Seychelles. Each April, traditionally dressed revelers from around the globe descend on the Seychelles to strut their stuff on the streets of Victoria, the capital. This year’s three-day extravaganza featured more than 1,500 participants from 27 countries and included tumbling Chinese acrobats, scantily clad Brazilian samba girls, Himalayan musicians, Maasai tribesmen, Indonesian dancers and even a few high-stepping cowboy cheerleaders from the United States.

“It’s called Carnival International, which means the world is coming together,” says Alain St. Ainge, the country’s minister of tourism and culture. “Even the United Nations, when they meet, you find politics overtakes the important things of listening to each other. In the Seychelles, people come here and forget their politics, forget religion, forget the color of skin.”

Like ivory-fringed emeralds scattered across a turquoise cloth, the Seychelles brings new meaning to the words “unique” and “paradise.” Scattered across 155,000 square miles of Indian Ocean a few degrees south of the equator, Africa’s smallest nation lies strategically between Africa and Asia and truly lives up to its unique international “crossroads” reputation by attracting visitors and residents from every corner of the globe. Unlike its more Indo-cultured neighbors Mauritius and Madagascar, the Seychelles tilts more to an African heritage.

Of course, Carnival is only one of the country’s many distractions, and with 115 islands to choose from, you’re bound to find one that fits your definition of paradise. Of the 42 permanently inhabited islands, Mahé, Praslin, La Digue, Cousine, Frégate and North Island attract the most visitors. It goes without saying, they’re each unique. As such, the Seychelles remains a favorite decompression destination for the rich, the famous and royalty. Prince William and Kate Middleton, now the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, honeymooned here in 2011.

Home to 90 percent of the country’s population, rugged, granite-topped Mahé is blanketed in tropical rainforest and fringed with postcard bays and white-sand beaches. As the most developed of the islands, it operates as the major port of entry and transit point for travelers heading to the other islands.

The country’s unique melting-pot culture is most apparent in its capital, Victoria — especially in the local market, where you’ll find a wide variety of food, produce, textiles and crafts from across Africa, Asia and other Indian Ocean nations. A throwback from its British Colonial days, a scaled-down 1903 replica of London’s famous Houses of Parliament clock tower stands as a focal point of the city.

Outside of town, luxury resorts hug most of the island’s top beaches. For a more intimate setting, try Anse Soleil beach on the southwest coast. It boasts only a small beach bar and attracts those wanting to escape more popular beaches.

Although its beautiful coastline and beaches beckon, Mahé’s splendid Morne Seychellois National Park offers a look at the island’s interior. The park contains four vegetation zones stretching from coastal mangrove forests to the peak of Morne Seychellois (the island’s highest point at 2,970 feet). Created in 1979, the park’s 12 miles of walking trails provide access to historic sites, grand vistas and unique flora and fauna.

From Mahé many visitors hop on the one-hour ferry or a 20-minute flight to Praslin, the nation’s second-largest island. Besides an abundance of stylish upscale resorts, gin-clear waters and Anse Lazio (the magnificent strand of white sand Giorgio Armani rates the world’s best beach), Praslin also contains two UNESCO World Heritage sites. The Aldabra Atoll is the world’s largest raised coral atoll and home to a large population of indigenous giant tortoises. The second UNESCO site, the lush Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve, features 6,000 native coco de mer palm trees. Averaging almost 40 pounds, the tree’s coco de mer nut is the world’s largest.

Like a tropical paradise magazine ad, laid-back La Digue, a 30-minute ferry ride from Praslin, bewitches visitors with seductive ribbons of soft white sand fringed by lush tropical jungle and jade-green waters. At Anse Source d’Argent, probably the country’s most photographed beach (a favorite in most travel brochures), towering weathered granite boulders scatter across classic white sands. However, the more secluded sensuous arcs of Grand Anse and Petite Anse on the island’s southeast coast remain favorite sandy spots with fashion photographers and their bikini-clad beauties.

La Digue’s main forms of transportation are bicycles and ox-carts, making it a retreat suited more to nature lovers than jet-setters. Its many secluded bays provide the perfect stranded-in-paradise backdrop for those seeking privacy, while the Veuve Nature Reserve in the island’s interior hosts the rare endemic black paradise flycatcher (only about 100 remain). Along the southwest coast, you can explore the old L’Union Estate plantation and copra-processing factory (now an open-air museum). A few dozen 100-year-old giant tortoises also reside at the estate.

As a multi-island destination, the Seychelles offers a wide variety of unique amenities and experiences that appeal to even the most discerning traveler. And as Alain St. Ainge says, the country’s distinctiveness continues to evolve: “We welcome visitors. When they come to the Seychelles, they impart aspects of their own cultures, which in turn add to our cultural mélange and uniqueness.”

Seychelles International Airport is on Mahé, about seven miles southeast of Victoria. Buses run every 20–30 minutes from the terminal to the main bus station in Victoria (about 60 minutes). Bus fare to most resorts runs about $1–2. An airport taxi to Victoria, your resort or the ferry terminal costs $7–10. Many resorts offer airport transfers for guests. In 2012, the national carrier, Air Seychelles, reduced its long-haul flights after making a codeshare arrangement with Etihad Airways. Although most international passengers now arrive via Abu Dhabi or Dubai, Air Seychelles still flies to many international gateways such as Geneva (GVA), Berlin (TXL), Bangkok (BKK) and Cape Town (CPT). The adjoining domestic terminal offers plane and heli-flights to neighboring islands.

Where to Stay in the Seychelles

Le Domaine de L’Orangeraie Nestled on a small point between beautiful ribbons of sand, this Zen-inspired property of 55 luxurious villas and a spa exudes peace and harmony. Anse Sévère, La Digue $$$$

Four Seasons Resort Seychelles The 67 stilted, tree house-style villas with spacious balconies hug the forested hillside overlooking the arc of Petite Anse beach and the azure Indian Ocean. Petite Anse, Baie Lazare, Mahé $$$$

Raffles Praslin Seychelles Tucked into the forested hillside above pristine Anse Takamaka beach, the spacious 86 villas and spa bring new meaning to the phrase “barefoot luxury.”

Restaurants in the Seychelles

Café Des Arts Situated right on the beach, this stylish Praslin restaurant houses an art gallery and serves up refined, flavorful Seychellois delicacies such as red snapper fillet in passion fruit sauce. Anse Volbert, Praslin $$$

Chez Batista This thatched-roof eatery on the southwest coast of Mahé features a sand floor, fantastic ocean views and the best seafood on the island. The eclectic Sunday lunch buffet is a must. Anse Takamaka, Mahé $$$

Lanbousir The intimate, open-air, sand-floored culinary oasis serves an array of local Creole delicacies, like curried fish with coconut sauce and spicy mango salad. L’Union Estate, La Digue $$

MAURITIUS: Cosmetic Surgery Grows All The Time

With relatively low costs and an existing tourist base, Mauritius is becoming a minor destination for cosmetic surgery. Mauritius had an estimated 16,000 medical tourists in 2015.

With relatively low costs and an existing tourist base, Mauritius is becoming a minor destination for cosmetic surgery.

In one of the most prosperous economies in Africa the tourist economy contributes over 25% of GDP. Medical tourism is mostly based on cosmetic surgery but with few facilities is never going to be big. Mauritius had an estimated 16,000 medical tourists in 2015, up from 1,000 in 2005 and 12,000 in 2012.

Holidays in Mauritius are at the luxury end of the market and the Board of Investment is keen to attract upmarket hospitals, cosmetic surgery clinics and alternative medicine venues.

Half of all medical tourists come from neighbouring islands such as Seychelles and Reunion, but the government claims that a growing proportion are travelling from Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Dr. Javed Dawreeawo, is a local cosmetic surgeon with increasing visitor numbers from Europe and Asia. Chinese patients often want face procedures, like double eyelid surgery; the British seek breast augmentation; and Dubai patients seek liposuction.

The government seeks to attract foreign talent by streamlining its visa and work permit processes, and offering tax breaks to medical businesses.

QATAR: Qatar Airways Expands To New Destinations

During the opening day of ITB Berlin, the world’s largest travel fair, Qatar Airways announced its plans for 14 additional new destinations, including a new service between Doha and Auckland, which would become the world’s longest.

“Qatar Airways prides itself on being a global connector, and most importantly, providing seamless and convenient connections for our customers, so that we remain their airline of choice.” Qatar Airways GCEO Mr. Akbar Al Baker said in a statement. “Qatar Airways prides itself on being a global connector, and most importantly, providing seamless and convenient connections for our customers, so that we remain their airline of choice.” Al Baker said.

The carrier’s route portfolio will grow with five destinations in Europe (Pisa, Sarajevo, Helsinki, Nice and Skopje), six in Africa (Marrakech, Windhoek, Douala, Libreville, Lusaka and Seychelles), two to Southeast Asia (Krabi and Chiang Mai in Thailand) and Auckland in Southwest Pacific.

Qatar Airways’ announcement confirms the expansion plans of the carrier into Africa, competing directly with Kenya Airways and South African Airways, both of them reported heavy losses after the fall of prices in commodities and political unrest in the region.

RELATED: African Airlines Face Powerful Incomers

The introduction of the new destinations comes two years after the opening of Qatar Airways’ hub at Hamad International Airport in Doha. According to the airline, it currently serves more than 28 million passengers annually, and is set to grow up to 50 million in 2018.

This year, Qatar Airways started services to Los Angeles in January. It is expected to start flights to Boston in the next week and to Atlanta in June.

SAUDI ARABIA: Flynas Celebrates New Service Connecting Riyadh And Abu Dhabi

Launch of the five-times-per-week service between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi further strengthens flynas’ codeshare agreement with Etihad Airways

Riyadh, 16 December, 2015: Marking an important milestone in its planned growth strategy, the Saudi Arabian national carrier flynas today inaugurated its new service connecting Riyadh and Abu Dhabi with non-stop flights operating five days per week.

Highlighting flynas’ success in strategically expanding its footprint in key markets across the region, the launch of the new service makes Abu Dhabi the fourth destination to be added to the airline’s GCC network after Dubai, Kuwait and Bahrain and expands the leading low-cost carrier’s reach to a total of 26 destinations within and outside of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).

Commenting on the launch of the new service, Bander Al Mohanna, NAS Holding CEO, said: “We are delighted to touch down in Abu Dhabi with the launch of this new five-times-per-week service that connects the two capitals while offering convenient and affordable air travel options to guests traveling in both directions.

Adding Abu Dhabi to our GCC route network is an important strategic step for flynas due to multiple reasons, including our codeshare agreement with Etihad Airways as well as the long-standing friendship and the strong bilateral business and economic ties shared by the two nations. Moreover, Abu Dhabi’s growing prominence as both a leading family-friendly tourism destination and a strategic business hub makes the opening of the new route a highly attractive proposition for Saudi travelers.”

“The service also takes our codeshare partnership with Etihad Airways to a whole new level, creating further opportunity for growth as we soar into the future with a renewed business strategy to continue expanding our reach into new markets with sheer confidence and optimism,” Bander Al Mohanna added.

Offering many benefits to flynas guests traveling from KSA, the new service strengthens flynas’ codeshare partnership with the UAE’s national airline Etihad Airways, which allows flynas to place its “XY” flight code on over 200 Etihad Airways’ flights between Abu Dhabi and 20 international destinations, including Amsterdam, Brussels, Casablanca, Geneva, Islamabad, Jakarta, Karachi, Kuala Lumpur, Lahore, London, Manchester, Paris, São Paulo, Seychelles, Singapore, Zurich, and subsequently on flights operating to the Indian subcontinent over the coming months, subject to regulatory approvals.

As part of the agreement, flynas flights can be sold to over 100 destinations around the world. Moreover, Etihad Airways will further promote the new service – providing additional value to flynas’ network throughout KSA.

“Our codeshare agreement with flynas was initiated over three years ago, and the partnership has developed into an outstanding commercial success. Importantly, we are providing the increasing numbers of business and leisure travelers with enhanced travel options into and out of KSA,” said Kevin Knight, Etihad Airways’ Chief Strategy and Planning Officer.

“We are delighted to build on this success by codesharing on flynas’ new flights between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi, which complements Etihad Airways’ 13 weekly flights between the two cities. We congratulate flynas on the launch of this new service, which will create new value for our companies and increase travel options for our guests,” Kevin Knight added.

Welcoming flynas’ inaugural flight in Abu Dhabi, Eng. Mohamed Mubarak Al Mazrouei, CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports, said: “We are pleased to welcome flynas’ entry into the UAE capital. This new service is in line with our strategy of further developing our airline portfolio while providing passengers with a world-class travel experience whether they are traveling for business or leisure. The opening of this strategic route also successfully complements the collaborative efforts made by Abu Dhabi Airports and Abu Dhabi Tourism and Cultural Authority to further strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position as one of the leading tourist destinations regionally and internationally. From providing efficient and timely ground handling processes to smooth and easy flow of passengers at the airport, we look forward to fully cooperating with flynas to ensure the success of this new service.”

“The new service has been specifically timed to coincide with the afternoon departure of Etihad Airways’ connecting banks. This provides excellent connections to Etihad Airways’ network eastbound, specifically to Pakistan, India and Far East, increases flynas’ visibility around the world and opens up KSA to a larger number of business and religious travelers,” added Bander Al Mohanna.

In celebration of the occasion, flynas also hosted a gala dinner at Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara, Abu Dhabi, which was attended by senior executives from Etihad Airways and Abu Dhabi Airports in addition to other government dignitaries and business partners.

The new route will operate every Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday – departing Riyadh at 9:35am to land in Abu Dhabi at 12:35pm local time while the return leaves Abu Dhabi at 2:45pm, arriving into Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport at 3:45pm local time.

ANTIGUA: Britain Sends £5m Foreign Aid To Caribbean To Improve Fishing, Tourism

British Prime Minister David Cameron has announced a £5.6 million cash injection to help improve fishing, tourism and shipping in the Caribbean and other countries.

The 25 “small island” Commonwealth recipients include Bermuda, Jamaica, the Maldives, the Seychelles, St. Lucia, and Trinidad and Tobago/

Cameron who is attending the Commonweath Heads of Government meeting here, said he wants the countries to be able to make the most of their natural maritime resources.

He made the announcement while unveiling a £26million aid package to help tackle global warming ahead of a meeting of world leaders in Paris on Monday.

The cash will be used to manage fisheries, protect coastlines and tackle pollution, as well as extending disaster risk.
“We have a real opportunity to get the small island states that are so vulnerable to climate change on board for an ambitious global climate change deal in Paris,” Cameron said. “Britain is firmly committed to helping these countries deal with the effects of climate change.

“That’s why we’re announcing new supporttoday to help protect them from the risks of climate change and to make the most of their natural maritime advantages, which are so vital to their economies,” Cameron added.

Britain will be spending £16.3billion on its foreign aid program by 2020, more than the amount spent on border controls, immigration, police and prisons.

SEYCHELLES: Luxury Cruise Ships In Port Victoria In Seychelles

Two cruise ships ̶ MSC Sinfonia of the MSC Cruises and MS Nautica which belongs to the Oceania Cruises fleet left Seychelles earlier today after getting a taste of the Seychelles’ experience.

The Seychelles Minister for Tourism and Culture Alain St.Ange accompanied by the principal secretary for tourism Anne Lafortune and the chief executive of the Seychelles Ports Authority Lieutenant Colonel Andre Ciseau and its director for business development David Bianchi paid courtesy calls on the captains of the two ships as they were tied up alongside the quay in Port Victoria.

MS Nautica’s previous port of call was in Cochine, India before arriving in Seychelles on November 8.

The ship which is of 180 metres long, is carrying a total of 629 passengers and 399 members of crew.

MSC Sinfonia’s previous port of call was in Jordan before making its way to Port Victoria. The ship which is carrying a total of 1800 passengers is a one-day trip to Seychelles.

A strong team of 726 crew members ensure that the passengers enjoy their holiday at sea in luxury and comfort.

Minister St.Ange said it is important on behalf of the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, the Seychelles Tourism Board and the Seychelles Ports Authority to welcome the captain, his team and the passengers to Seychelles and to hold discussions.

One main point discussed was the involvement of local artists to perform on the ships, to promote the Seychelles’ culture and raise the profile of the islands.

Gifts were exchanged on both ships as souvenirs of these port calls.

Minister St.Ange said these books will help the passengers to learn more about Seychelles.

During discussions held with the captains, Minister St.Ange was happy to hear that the passengers had positive feedback on their short visit to Seychelles.

Except for the rain, the visitors have described Seychelles as a safe and beautiful destination and have appreciated the help received during their stay.

Minister St.Ange said cruise ship business is part of the tourism industry of Seychelles and everything which touches this vital industry which is the pillar of our economy needs to be protected.

MS Nautica is expected to be back in Seychelles during the month of December. Minister St.Ange and his delegation were given a tour of the two ships.

TANZANIA: SITE Tourism Exhibition Opens In Tanzania

The second edition of the Swahili International Tourism Expo (SITE) has kicked off in Tanzania’s capital city of Dar es Salaam attracting participants across the world.

Some 103 companies are participating the three-day event. Companies from key African destinations are participating at SITE while trade visitors from several African countries have shown up.

Countries which have brought their representatives to SITE are the United Kingdom, the United States, India, Russia, South Africa, Kenya, Burundi, Rwanda, Seychelles, Germany, China, and Spain.

This year’s SITE has so far attracted 43 International Hosted Buyers made up of tour operators, package safari makers and planners, and travel agents rated as wholesalers. About 2,000 trade visitors are attending as well and are expected to visit the SITE exhibition hall.

The President of the United States Tour Operators Association, Mr. Terry Dale, will address the SITE participants Friday morning on the second day of the exhibition.

Mr. Dale has arrived in Tanzania and has confirmed to this eTN correspondent of his participation at the event and that he will address the event participants.

ANGOLA: Durban Fair

The tourism potential of the country was patent in Durban, South Africa in the International Tourism Fair held from 9 to 11 of this month.

With aim of strengthening the appreciation of our culture, the provinces of Namibe and Lunda Sul, were well represented with their cultural heritage in the edition 2015 of the International Fair of Tourism Durban. The typical dances from Lunda-Sul were exhibited by the cultural group Sandra Inliqueno while Miss Namibe with traditional costumes, represented the Mucubal woman.

At the fair in Durban, tourist guides were exposed, brochures on parks and reserves, beaches and other general information on investment in the country, particularly on the tourism sector. It was also presented for the first time in Africa, a film about the seven wonders of Angola and other tourist attractions of the country.

The Tourism Development Pole of Cabo Ledo and the Trans frontier Project Okavango / Zambezi which should attract large investments to the sector were other highlights of Angola in the largest exhibition event of the tourist industry on the continent.

"Angola used the fair as an opportunity, to strengthen partnerships with some neighboring countries." Eugenio Clement, General Director of the Institute of Tourist Promotion (Infotur), secured talks with counterparts from islands of Seychelles, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Namibia.

However, Zimbabwe has renewed the promise to receive the Tour Guides of Angola for training in the English language, while Namibia promises later this year, a discussion about riches of the Angolan coast.

Some hotels and a few Angolan travel agencies also attended the 2015 edition of the International Tourism Fair in Durban, South Africa.

MADAGASCAR: Drop In Visitor Numbers

Perched on the muddy bank of a river meandering through rolling green hills, the Lemurs' Park near Madagascar's capital is rated one of the city's top attractions, but you would not know it from the number of visitors.

On a Saturday in what is meant to be high season, only a handful of tourists are in the park to catch a glimpse of the furry creatures endemic to the tropical forests of this vast Indian Ocean island.

Tour operators blame the latest drop in visitor numbers on mass cancellations that followed a month-long Air Madagascar strike that grounded all internal flights.

But to Rakotomamonjy Andrianantoanina, a veteran Lemurs' Park guide, the long-term trend since a 2009 coup that scared off visitors and ravaged the economy has been just as worrying.

"In 2008, the tourism in Madagascar was very high. But there has been political trouble since 2009 so the tourists are fewer and fewer," Andrianantoanina said as ring-tailed lemurs scampered through nearby eucalyptus trees.

With the mining industry hit by low global commodity prices, the government has promoted tourism as a spur of growth and job creation in one of the world's poorest nations.

Touting its rainforests, reefs and weird and wonderful plants and animals, officials are aiming for 1 million tourists by 2020, five times higher than last year and more than double the 2008 peak, when 380,000 people visited the former French colony.

There are even lofty plans to compete for well-heeled visitors who flock to Mauritius and Seychelles, two "honeymoon" destinations where European elites have vacationed for decades.

But first the leaders of the world's fourth largest island have fix tourism's two biggest problems - a poorly run state airline and a toxic political system that breeds instability.

Efforts have not gone well on either front.

President Hery Rajaonarimampianina, whose peaceful election in late 2013 was seen as a new start for politics, was impeached in May. Even though he overturned the vote in the constitutional court, his government nearly fell in a subsequent censure vote.

Fixing the airline has also proved tough, with a month-long strike by Air Madagascar staff bringing the industry to its knees and adding to long-standing grievances against a loss-making and habitually late airline.

"It's easy to sell Madagascar abroad as a tourist destination but our main obstacle is air transportation," Tourism Minister Ulrich Andriantiana told Reuters.

FLIGHT COSTS

Tour operators gripe about Air Madagascar's domestic monopoly, saying visitors blanch at pricey international fares and the added cost of expensive internal flights necessary to avoid the abysmal roads.

A short internal flight that might cost as little as $50 in Kenya is as much as $300 in Madagascar.

"Everyone says 'Madagascar is beautiful', but Madagascar is not the only one that is beautiful. You can go to Cuba, Sri Lanka, Puerto Rico and they are all cheap," said hotelier Hely Rakotomanantsoa. "The flight costs are a really big issue."

Andriantiana, the tourism minister, said the strikes had prompted the government to "liberalize" the skies by introducing more competition, including on domestic flights.

"It's not good to have a monopoly," he said. "If Air Madagascar doesn't work well, every sector will fall down."

The government had held talks with Kenya Airways and Air France to introduce new international routes to open up markets in Africa, Asia and North America, he added.

Until now, Madagascar has marketed itself to adventure travelers as a once-in-a-lifetime chance to visit a "modern-day Noah's Ark" - a reference to estimates that 80 percent of its plant-life cannot be found anywhere on the planet.

"It's amazing how you can travel for six hours and go from desert to rainforest," said 19-year-old Briton Ollie Tiliouine, who volunteered for a marine conservation charity before criss-crossing the island on rickety minibuses.

Competing for the high-end tourists who flock to Seychelles and Mauritius, two neighboring Indian Ocean islands famed for azure waters and white sandy beaches, will prove tricky.

"Outside the capital, it's hard to find good services and hotels, especially for the upper market," said another tour operator who did not wish to reveal her name as she was critical of tourism policy.

That matters little to the likes of Pauline Geoffroy, a 22-year-old French tourist who traveled 3,000 km (2,000 miles) in cramped public buses across humid lowlands and undulating highlands dotted with shimmering rice fields.

"The sea, mountains and wildlife here are just so unique," she said. "It's like a paradise. I would definitely come back."