Zim to host inaugural China Africa Tourism Conference

Source: Zim to host inaugural China Africa Tourism Conference – Sunday News Jul 31, 2016

Dickson Mangena, Business ReporterZIMBABWE is set to host the first ever China-Africa Tourism Conference scheduled for March next year in Victoria Falls, a move that seeks to position Zimbabwe as one of the preferred Chinese friendly destinations.

In a statement, the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) said the conference will be hosted by Chinese Friendly International, led by Dr Kurt Grotsch in collaboration with ZTA from 22 to 23 March 2017. Dr Grotsch is the Dean of Catedra, a Chinese think-tank comprising over 150 academics, researchers, lawyers and tourism experts in the Chinese market.

ZTA said the conference is expected to attract more than 1 000 tourism players from Africa and the Asian giant nation.

"The two organisations will join hands in organising this conference that will gather over 1 000 tourism players and experts from Africa and China. Participants will engage in knowledge transfer on how African countries can easily penetrate the Chinese market. Among the expected delegates will be African Tourism ministers, heads of national tourism organisations, Chinese Embassies in Africa, UNWTO, PATA, World Tourism Cities Federation (WTCF) and various tourism stakeholders from China and Africa," said ZTA.

It added that the conference will increase co-operation among African destinations in offering seamless multi-destination packages suitable for the Chinese market.

"Zimbabwe is consolidating its tourism promotion efforts in China as it aims to benefit from the multitudes of Chinese long haul travel to Africa," said ZTA.

The move by ZTA to host the conference also comes after a drop in Chinese arrivals in the country from over 30 000 in 2011 to about 7 000 in 2015.

"This sad development is coming at a time when other African countries like Egypt, South Africa, Tanzania, Angola and Kenya are now reaping the benefits of destination promotion consistency through a visible market presence in China as they continue to record phenomenal increases in their arrivals from this market," said ZTA.

According to China National Tourism Organisation, by 2020 China will provide over 600 million outbound tourists, reaffirming China's position as the world's biggest outbound tourism market since 2012.

According to Tourism Highlights; 2015 Edition of the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), China, the world's biggest source of tourists, continues its supernormal growth thanks to the increase of disposable income, strong exchange rate of Renminbi, improved travel facilities and policy incentives for outbound tourism.@Dixen6

Source: Zim to host inaugural China Africa Tourism Conference

Currency dip, visa changes buoy S. African tourism

Tourists are flocking back to South Africa's game parks, beaches and vineyards as a weaker currency and easing of visa rules make holidays cheaper and more accessible.

The number of visitors to South Africa from outside the continent increased by 19 percent over the five months through May, the Tourism Ministry said on July 20. The surging popularity among travelers from markets including the United States and Germany can be largely attributed to a weak rand, according to the head of Africa's largest hotels and casinos company, Tsogo Sun Holdings Ltd.

"South Africa is on an absolute fire sale," Tsogo Chief Executive Officer Marcel Von Aulock said in an interview in Bloomberg's Johannesburg office this month. "We've always been a cheap destination relative to international markets," and the falling currency has taken that to extremes, he said.

South Africa's international tourism boom represents a rare note of optimism in an economy hampered by an unemployment rate of 27 percent and projected by the Reserve Bank not to grow this year amid low commodity prices and after the worst drought in more than a century. The rand is the third-worst performer against the dollar among 16 major currencies tracked by Bloomberg over the past 12 months, having declined 12 percent, and reached record lows against both the U.S. currency and euro earlier in 2016.

South Africa's government has softened rules introduced in 2014 that required travelers from countries including China to apply for visas in person, hurting demand in one of its fastest-growing tourism markets. For prospective visitors from China, for example, that meant an often lengthy and costly trip to either Beijing or Shanghai.

Those restrictions, together with a condition that visitors accompanied by children must present a detailed birth certificate, contributed to a slowdown in international tourism arrivals in 2015.

With visas now easier to obtain through tour operators, Chinese numbers were 50 percent higher in May than a year earlier while those from India increased by 37 percent, according to the Tourism Ministry.

"Those markets will recover quite quickly, I think, and will continue to grow," Von Aulock said.

While the birth-certificate rule has been relaxed, the entry requirements for children remain vague enough to deter some families, said Mmatsatsi Ramawela, CEO of the Tourism Business Council of South Africa. And although overseas tourist arrivals in 2016 to date are up from the past two years, they are still only the highest since 2013, according to Statistics South Africa data.

Events like the International AIDS Conference in Durban this month have increased the number of visitors, and concerns that terrorist attacks have made Europe more dangerous are also diverting traffic to the Southern Hemisphere, Ramawela said.

City Sightseeing, which operates hop-on-hop-off city tour buses, has sold more tickets in Cape Town this year and has had to add vehicles and drivers on some days, according to General Manager Paul Nel. Additional direct flights to the city have helped traffic, he said, with Emirates airline adding a third daily service between Cape Town and Dubai earlier this month.

SundayMonday Business on 07/31/2016

Print Headline: Currency dip, visa changes buoy S. African tourism

Source: Currency dip, visa changes buoy S. African tourism

South Africa a ‘fire sale’ for tourists after rand rout, holidays cheaper and more accessible

Tourists are flocking back to South Africa's game parks, beaches and vineyards as a weaker currency and easing of visa rules make holidays cheaper and more accessible.

The number of visitors to South Africa from outside the continent increased by 19 per cent over the five months through May, the Tourism Ministry said on July 20. The surging popularity among travellers from markets including the U.S. and Germany can be largely attributed to a weak rand, according to the head of Africa's largest hotels and casinos company, Tsogo Sun Holdings.

"South Africa is on an absolute fire sale," Tsogo Chief Executive Officer Marcel Von Aulock said in an interview in Bloomberg's Johannesburg office this month. "We've always been a cheap destination relative to international markets," and the falling currency has taken that to extremes, he said.

South Africa's international tourism boom represents a rare note of optimism in an economy hampered by an unemployment rate of 27 per cent and projected by the Reserve Bank not to grow this year amid low commodity prices and after the worst drought in more than a century. The rand is the third-worst performer against the dollar among 16 major currencies tracked by Bloomberg over the past 12 months, having declined 12 per cent, and reached record lows against both the U.S. currency and euro earlier in 2016.

While the currency had firmed to 14.3694 against the dollar as of 12:13 p.m. on Tuesday, that's still weaker than its level in November.

South Africa's government has softened rules introduced in 2014 that required travellers from countries including China to apply for visas in person, hurting demand in one of its fastest-growing tourism markets. For prospective visitors from China, for example, that meant an often lengthy and costly trip to either Beijing or Shanghai.

Those restrictions, together with a condition that visitors accompanied by children must present a detailed birth certificate, contributed to a slowdown in international tourism arrivals in 2015.

With visas now easier to obtain through tour operators, Chinese numbers were 50 per cent higher in May than a year earlier while those from India increased by 37 per cent, according to the Tourism Ministry.

"Those markets will recover quite quickly, I think, and will continue to grow," Von Aulock said.

While the birth-certificate rule has been relaxed, the entry requirements for children remain vague enough to deter some families, said Mmatsatsi Ramawela, CEO of the Tourism Business Council of South Africa. And although overseas tourist arrivals in 2016 to date are up from the past two years, they are still only the highest since 2013, according to Statistics South Africa data.

Events like the International AIDS Conference in Durban this month have increased the number of visitors, and concerns that terrorist attacks have made Europe more dangerous are also diverting traffic to the southern hemisphere, Ramawela said.

City Sightseeing, which operates hop-on-hop-off city tour buses, has sold more tickets in Cape Town this year and has had to add vehicles and drivers on some days, according to General Manager Paul Nel. Additional direct flights to the city have helped traffic, he said, with Emirates adding a third daily service between Cape Town and Dubai earlier this month.

Source: South Africa a 'fire sale' for tourists after rand rout, holidays cheaper and more accessible

Kenya overtakes SA as biggest investor in African countries

Kenya overtook South Africa to become the biggest investor in other African countries in terms of the number of projects in 2015.

Kenya invested in 36 projects last year in other parts of the continent against South Africa's 33, a new study by financial consulting firm Ernst & Young shows.

It noted that most of Kenya's intra-Africa investments went into countries within the East African Community (EAC).

The study said Kenya's global ranking as a source of foreign direct investment (FDI) to the African continent also improved strongly to seventh position in 2015 from 13th in 2014.

"Activity was largely concentrated in services, with financial and business services together accounting for nearly 78 per cent of FDI projects originating from Kenya," said the report released Monday.

"Many Kenyan companies are playing the role initially adopted by South Africa's corporate sector, who were the first to venture outside their home markets," it adds.

PROJECTS' NET WORTH

South Africa, however, beat Kenya in terms of the worth of the projects as it had Sh200 billion compared with Kenya's Sh100 billion.

In the past decade, Kenyan banks and retail businesses, for example, have ventured into the region, including in the volatile South Sudan and Somalia.

"East Africa is the primary destination for Kenyan investors, in line with overall sub-regional integration plans," said the study.

It further shows that Africa attracted FDI from a diverse and growing group of investors.

In 2015, the US retained its position as the largest investor on the continent, despite a four per cent fall in FDI projects.

Historical investors, including the UK, France, the UAE and India, expressed renewed interest in Africa.

Other notable investors in Africa were Italy and Luxembourg, which became among the largest 15 investors in 2015.

Overall, intra-African FDI projects rose 2.8 per cent in 2015, with capital investment up 6.2 per cent.

MORE PROJECTS

In terms of inward FDI in 2015, the study shows that Kenya, touted as East Africa's anchor economy, posted a resurgence, with projects standing at 95 compared with 62 the previous year, an increase of 53.2 per cent.

At the same time, South Africa had more inward FDI projects, numbering 130 in 2015 compared with 120 projects in 2014, an 8.3 per cent increase.

"Kenya and East Africa is shining bright and even brighter in the comparison with its peers. Kenya is very much the leader in this region and because of a good component of diversification is maintaining a strong rate of GDP expansion," Rich Management CEO Aly Khan Satchu said of the report's findings.

However, the report warned that potential investors are wary of downside risks to growth forecasts.

"For example, in Kenya's case, a large current account deficit and growing debt levels provide the government with less flexibility to fund longer-term growth," it said.

Across the whole continent, on the other hand, inward FDI project numbers increased by seven per cent year on year, from 722 projects in 2014 to 771 projects in 2015.

But the capital value of those projects was down year on year to $71.3 billion in 2015 from $88.5 billion in 2014. Even after falling, the 2015 figure was still higher than the average of $68 billion between 2010 to 2014.

Source: Kenya overtakes SA as biggest investor in African countries

African airlines set to dominate the Continent’s air space

Looking ahead to the forthcoming Africa Travel Association (ATA) Annual World Tourism Conference in Rwanda later this year, airlines flying within and outside the African continent are counted the leading key partners to the African tourism growth.

In collaboration with the Rwanda Development Board, the 41st ATA Congress is designed to set the tone for how tourism can be utilized as an engine for economic growth and job creation through innovative business models, new technologies and strategic partnerships.

Airlines and aviation Logistics Managers across the world will be among key and invited speakers to discuss their views about African skies and the role that airlines play to foster tourism development in this continent.

South African Airways (SAA) is on top, among the key players to the African tourism through air connections between the continent and the key tourist markets across the world.

The South African Department of Transport says it is "looking closely" to see that African airlines dominate Africa's air space.

SAA's investment in aircraft is the target that the South African Department of Transport is looking at, to ensure that, the airline contribute greatly to development of the African skies.

The airline is this year celebrating a decade of operations as a member of Star Alliance, the world's longest serving and most experienced global airline alliance.

SAA was the first African airline to join the global network in 2006, providing other Alliance partners access to SAA's extensive route network within South Africa and into the rest of the African continent.

"South African Airways gave Star Alliance a first and strategic/prominent foothold in Africa, which today is recognized as one of the most significant growth markets for international trade and aviation," said Star Alliance Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mark Schwab.

"We congratulate the airline on its 10 year anniversary as part of the Star Alliance family, thank its staff for serving Star Alliance customers well every day for a decade and look forward to continued fruitful co-operation in the years to come."

Ethiopian Airlines, Africa's biggest and fastest-growing airline. Ethiopian Airlines' CEO, Tewolde Gebremarian has said that Africa is the next and final frontier in globalization, saying he wants to "see African aviation is growing very fast in line with the economic development of the continent."

"Road transport is underdeveloped, railway transport is underdeveloped, the terrain of the continent is a challenge, so air transport is a key essential public service. And it has to be seen as such," he added.

Ethiopian Airlines is the first airline company in Africa to have purchased Airbus A350 aircraft. It spent more than US$2 billion on the deal, which includes other smaller aircraft.

The Airline's Regional manager in South Africa Abel Alemu was as well quoted saying the aircraft had been purchased as part of its strategy to stay competitive in the aviation market.

He said the Airbus A350 had new technology and was 25 percent more fuel efficient than other type of aircraft.

"One part of that strategy is fleet management, because when it comes to the aviation industry, aircraft is the major factor. If you have an efficient aircraft, it will contribute to costs and customer comfort," said Alemu.

He said Ethiopian Airlines was 100 percent owned by the Ethiopian government, but run by professionals appointed by a board.

The airline flies to 92 destinations around the world and 52 in Africa. The airline recorded a $148 million profit in the year ended June 2015.

South African Department of Transport's acting deputy director-general, Johan Bierman, said Ethiopian Airlines' investment meant African airlines would take up space in the continent's aviation market instead of airlines from outside the continent.

Kenya Airways Kenya Airways during the month of August 2016 is increasing operations on Nairobi to Amsterdam route. Overall frequency will increase from seven to nine weekly.

Operating a fleet of modern aircraft, Kenya Airways had dominated the East African skies and provide an air link to West Africa, flying to key destinations there.

Kenya Airways which the government of Kenya is the largest shareholder with a 29.8 per cent stake, is operating with modern aircraft with a fleet of 38 big air planes flying in the East African region and other African skies.The airline connects the Kenyan capital of Nairobi to big cities in Africa, Middle East, China, India and Europe. Kenya Airways is among the few and leading air carriers connecting the African continent to Europe and America, attracting tourists to East Africa.The African Union (AU) Commission aims to establish a single African air transport market by 2017, but implementation of the Yamoussoukro Declaration, signed in 1999 to effect this, has been slow. African states prefer to sign bilateral agreements with Middle-Eastern and European states instead of opening their airline markets to regional competition.

"There is no use in having a single African sky if you don't have any aircraft to actually fly in it," said Bierman. "We are looking at Kenya Airways in that regard. We are also looking closely at our own airline, SAA, to see what they can come up with. We are positive that we could (make this kind of investment) although that is not within the Department of Transport's mandate," he said.

Speaking at Indaba 2016 mid-this year, Derek Hanekom, South Africa's Tourism Minister said: "Air transport services remain a key constraint. Many major airlines fly to Africa from North America, Europe, and Asia. But, once visitors reach the continent, they encounter difficulties in travelling from country to country."

Source: African airlines set to dominate the Continent's air space

South Africa’s Hotel and Tourism Sector Set for Steady Growth as Visitor Numbers Continue to Grow:

The new visa regulations had a sharp impact on the South African tourism industry

South Africa's hotel industry is set for steady growth in the next five years driven by an increase in the number of foreign visitors into the African continent.

Pietro Calicchio, Industry leader of Hospitality & Gambling, PwC Southern Africa (www.PwC.com), says: "Although the South African economy has weakened considerably, the overall outlook for hotels in South Africa is expected to remain positive."

According to PwC's 6th edition Hotels Outlook 2016 – 2020, revenue from hotel room accommodation in South Africa rose 8.1% in 2015 to R14.2 billion, reflecting an increase in stay unit nights and a 6.5% rise in the average room rate. Overall, hotel room revenue is projected to expand at a 7.8% compound annual rate to R20.6 billion in 2020. PwC's report features information about hotel accommodation in South Africa, Nigeria, Mauritius, Kenya, and Tanzania.

"The devaluation of the rand and the relaxation of certain visa regulations has had a positive impact on the tourism industry in South Africa, making the country a more attractive tourism destination. This has also had a positive impact on the number of foreign visitors to South Africa over the past six months," says Calicchio. 

The new visa regulations had a sharp impact on the South African tourism industry. After growing at an 8% compound annual rate between 2009 and 2013, the number of foreign overnight visitors rose only 0.2% in 2014 before falling 6.8% in 2015 – the biggest decline in six years, according to official statistics. China had the largest decrease of 46% in 2014, while the decrease from India was 23.5%. Visits from China edged up 2.2% in 2015, but remained 45% lower than the peak in 2013, while visits from India fell an additional 8.5% in 2015 for a cumulative 30% decline over the past two years.

A key factor cited as contributing to the decline was the requirement that foreign travellers appear in person at South African embassies to have their biometric information taken. However, some countries such as India, Russia and China have very few South African visa processing centres.

In October 2015, some of these regulations were eased and the Department of Home Affairs is considering introducing further amendments.

Overall, in 2015 there was a decline in the number of foreign travellers to South Africa from every region except the Middle East and North Africa. Of non-African countries, the UK is still the largest source of visitors to South Africa at 407 486 in 2015, an increase of 1.4%. It was one of the few countries from where visitors increased in 2015, but that gain did not offset the overall 6.8% decline from 2014. Visits from the US dipped below 300 000 in 2015, down 3.9% from 2014. Germany was down 6.5% in 2015, while Australia fell 10.8%.

Of African countries, the largest numbers of foreign visitors to South Africa in 2015 came from Zimbabwe (2.1 million), followed by Lesotho (1.5 million) and Mozambique (1.3 million) but all were lower than in 2014.

On a more positive note, the number of monthly overnight tourist visitors to South Africa started picking up towards the end of 2015 and rose above the one million mark for the first time in January 2016, with international visitor numbers up by 16.8% for the months of January to April 2016 when compared to the same period in 2015. Visitor numbers from Europe have increased by 13.6%, China 38.0% and North America 16.4% through to April 2016 when compared to the first four months of 2015. For 2016 as a whole, a 12.4% increase in foreign visitors is anticipated.

Hotel accommodation: South Africa – Nigeria – Mauritius – Kenya - Tanzania

The number of hotel rooms planned in Africa has increased from prior years in the wake of a number of developments across the continent.

Overall, room revenue in South Africa, Nigeria, Mauritius, Kenya and Tanzania rose 6.7% in 2015, the largest gain since 2011. Tanzania had the largest increase with a 14.4% gain, the result of a large increase in the average room rate that offset a drop in stay unit nights.

"It is promising to see a growing number of new hotels that are planned for the South African market over the next five years. We are forecasting an additional 2 600 hotel rooms to be added over the next five years," says Calicchio. "We forecast that hotel room revenue will grow by 11.9% in 2016 to R15.8 billion." The interest in new hotel developments in Cape Town reflects its strong growth rates and its appeal as a tourist attraction.

Five-star hotels had the highest occupancy rates in the market at 79.5% in 2015, up from 70.7% in 2014 as stay unit nights increased by 12.5%.

The hotel sector in Mauritius experienced an increase in stay unit nights in 2015, but a drop in the average room rate that resulted in a 6.7% increase in room revenue. Nigeria's long-term prospects for the hospitality sector remain positive, though the impact of its current weaker economy is likely to reflect in near-term hotel performance. Kenya's economic growth has been strong and a number of initiatives have contributed to a recent increase in the tourism industry.

South Africa: The Outlook (2016 – 2020)

With occupancy rates and visitor numbers on the rise, there is renewed activity in the hotel sector. There are a number of major hotels expected to open in the next five years and several others in the planning stage. The number of available hotel rooms are projected to rise at a 0.8% compound annual rate to 63 700 in 2020 from 61 100 in 2015.

Stay unit nights are expected to increase at a 1.9% compound annual rate to 14.6 million in 2020 from 13.3 million in 2015. With stay unit nights growing faster than room supply, the occupancy rate for hotels is forecast to rise from 59.6% in 2015 to 62.6% in 2020.

Nigeria – Mauritius – Kenya –Tanzania: The Outlook (2016 – 2020)

The hotel market in Nigeria has not fared as well as South Africa with stay unit nights dropping 12% and room revenue down by 3.6% over the past two years. There are a number of new hotels planned or under construction and we forecast an additional 4 700 rooms to be added in Nigeria during the next five years. Hotel room revenue is expected to grow to US$ 507 million in 2020 from the US$321 million achieved in 2015, due to increases in both stay unit nights and average room rates. The number of tourist arrivals to Mauritius increased by 10.9% in 2015, the largest increase during the past five years. The number of available hotel rooms is expected to increase at a 2.8% compound annual rate, rising to 15 600 in 2020 with hotel room revenue forecast to grow at a 10.6% compound annual rate to Euro 920 million in 2020 .

Kenya's hotel market is recovering, with growth being achieved for the first time in four years due to an increase in the average room rate even though stay units fell 2.8% in 2015. Revenue is projected to grow at 6.1% compounded annually to 2020. Tanzania's hotel room revenue amounted to US$222 million in 2015 and is expected to grow by 10.8% compounded annually to US$371 million in 2020.

"The hotel market in each country is affected by both the local and global economy, with some countries being more dependent on foreign visitors than others. The growth forecast is therefore dependent on how well both the local and global economy performs and grows over the next five years."

"The tourism industry continues to be one of the fastest growing sectors of Africa's economy. In spite of recent challenges, including the change in visa regulations in South Africa and the contraction of the global economy, the sector has significant potential to create jobs and uplift inclusive economic growth across the continent", concludes Calicchio.

Source: South Africa's Hotel and Tourism Sector Set for Steady Growth as Visitor Numbers Continue to Grow:

Deportations Stall As North African Nations Won’t Accept Their Own Migrants Back

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North Rhine-Westphalia Interior Minister Ralf Jäger has slammed countries in North Africa saying that they are uncooperative when it comes to accepting deported migrants.

North Rhine-Westphalia Interior Minister Ralf Jäger has criticised the governments of North African countries saying that they are refusing to accept migrants who have been deported from Germany, Donau Kurier reports.

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"We must ensure that the migrants who do not need protection can be as quickly returned to their home countries," Mr. Jäger told German media, but claimed that the problem wasn't just deporting the migrants from Germany, but getting their countries of origin in North Africa to let them back in. "Above all, Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia are uncooperative," he said.

Aside from the Balkan countries, the most likely deportation destination for illegal migrants is any one of the North African countries known as the Maghreb states. The German Federal government has announced that they regard the North African countries as safe countries, and so the asylum seekers who headed to Europe from their shores cannot claim legitimate asylum in Germany.

While the Federal government in Germany has tried to strengthen its deportation agreements with the nations in the region, Mr. Jäger claims that the situation is the same as it's ever been. Speaking about his own experiences trying to deport migrants, some of whom may be criminals, he said: "In practice, however, nothing has changed."

Urging Chancellor Angela Merkel's government to rectify the matter as soon as possible, the NRW Interior minister talked about trying to deal with the Moroccan government in particular. He said that because of strict Moroccan government regulations failed asylum seekers could only be deported on government airlines and only, he said, "a maximum of four people per flight".

These types of regulations, along with the need for police and medical staff on their deportation flights, have led to some saying that the costs of deporting a single migrant from regions in Germany can cost up to 50,000 euros. The equivalent commercial ticket to the same destination costing only a few hundred euros. "If this continues, we will be doing these deportations for at least twenty years," Mr. Jäger said.

Another major issue for deportations has also been the fact that many migrants simply come back via illegal channels, as was the case with one migrant who was able to come back to Germany after being deported over ten times.  The other issue is migrants who claim to be underage to avoid deportation when they have committed a crime. Earlier this year over 70,000 underage migrants had been recorded as entering Germany and even if their asylum process fails, it is almost impossible for them to be deported.

Source: Deportations Stall As North African Nations Won't Accept Their Own Migrants Back

Ghana is next destination for Seedstars World

By Matthew Alexander on 27 July, 2016

The next leg of international pitching event, Seedstars World, is heading to Accra, Ghana, on its way to the finals in Switzerland.

This round takes place with the support of local ambassador Impact Hub.

"Impact Hub Accra is at the centre of an exciting and growing startup ecosystem in Ghana, we offer a wide range of opportunities for dynamic startups to grow and scale, such opportunities includes global partnership with organisations such as Seedstars," said community manager at Impact Hub Accra, Victor Ofoegbu, in a press release to Ventureburn.

Startups wanting to participate will need to be less than two years old, raised less than US$500 000 in funding, and have a minimal viable product.

"Accra has proved itself, time and again to be the leading innovation hub of the continent. The startups who participated in our event last year were phenomenal and we are very excited to come back this year, as we know for sure the bars have been raised and there will be even more amazing startups coming our way," said associate for Africa Selam Kebede.

The finals in Switzerland will see startups from around the world pitch their business for the grand prize of US$1.5-million in equity investment prizes. A US$50 000 prize for "Transforming Education Prize" will also be available.

Ghana's previous representative was Asoriba, a web-based church management app that's designed for seamless engagement between their leaders and members.

If you'd like to attend Seedstar's Accra on the 21 Agust 2016 click here.

Featured image: Stig Nygaard via Flickr

A grown man and avid gamer, anime enthusiast as well as an MMA practitioner, he's a living symbol of Liquorice allsorts. His inquisitive nature is by far his greatest strength. If he doesn't know something, he will soon enough. His passion for writing started at a very young... More
Source: Ghana is next destination for Seedstars World

Solutions to South Africa's Lack of Growth are Out There

South Africa's Reserve Bank Governor Lesetja Kganyago has forecast zero percent growth for 2016, 1.5% in 2017 and 1.7% in 2018. This spells disaster for the country, particularly the unemployed. The jobless rate is expected to rise from its current level of nearly 27%. What must be done to improve the economy? Sibonelo Radebe, The Conversation Africa's business and economy editor, asked Lumkile Mondi to share his thoughts.

What company is South Africa keeping in the world? What are the main common drivers?

We are in the company of some of our chosen friends in BRICS – Brazil, Russia, India and China. We share a lot of unfortunate features with Brazil, China and Russia – high levels of corruption and inequality that are holding back economic development potential.

The agendas of strong and corrupt ruling parties are distracting these countries from uplifting their people. This is true of the workers' party in Brazil, the African National Congress-led (ANC) government in South Africa, the Communist Party in China and the United Russia Party in the Kremlin. The economic fortunes of all are significantly influenced by the parties ruling them.

In the Nelson Mandela and Thabo Mbeki eras South Africa was associated with fighting injustice and defending the oppressed. This enhanced the country's status and earned it the right and respect to play a constructive role on the international stage. This earned goodwill benefited its development path in the form of accessing international capital and positioning the country as an investment destination.

We should have kept the status of a country with an exemplary constitutional democracy. We should have kept the relationships that come with that character. However, we have veered towards morally questionable countries with a focus on the short term and narrow financial benefits.

We have become close to a list of countries like Angola that have dismal human rights and good governance records. They are ruled by corrupt oligarchs where families of their "big man" leaders accumulate untold wealth while the majority of their citizens live in stark poverty. Given the friends we have chosen, we are going to have few allies to support our economic development and our fight against poverty and inequality.

In addition, South Africa has taken sides with countries to the detriment of its moral position in global affairs. Successful countries such as China, the UK and the US always put their own economic interests first. However, South Africa has taken political positions rather than economic ones.

What company should we be keeping? What are the better performers doing that we aren't?

South Africa has been an upper middle-income country for a while. With appropriate policies and the required drive, the country should be in the company of countries like South Korea, Mexico and Malaysia. They developed largely because they moved up the global manufacturing value chain.

Some scholars have argued that South Africa is stuck in the upper middle-income trap because it has been unable to move out of low-level manufacturing. To escape, it needs to change its industrial character. It must move into fabrication and high value added manufacturing and design.

We need to move beyond offering assembly capability and towards products that are conceived, developed and manufactured in our country. To get there we need concerted effort and calculated investment in education and the sciences. We need to put money into research and development to become an innovative economy.

We have the framework. However, we don't have people to drive it because of our history and because of the ANC's poor education policies. The standards of education have been lowered to absorb as many people as possible.

In the process, we have put a lot of pressure on universities. The approach of "access at all costs" is compromising quality in our higher education system. Education is key to all countries that have moved up the manufacturing value chain. If we bungle education, as we are doing, we are doomed to fail.

The other big obstacle is monopolistic domination in critical sectors like power, telecommunications and transport. These are key because they enable other businesses to flourish. However, they are held ransom by moribund state owned enterprises such as Transnet and the power utility, Eskom. As a result, we have become a high-cost economy.

The Reserve Bank governor focused on external factors. What about domestic factors?

I understand why the governor seemed to be apportioning all the blame to external factors. It's election time. Talking about domestic factors is to venture onto slippery political ground. He could be accused of causing harm to the ANC, which is facing increasing competition at the polls.

He knows very well that the South African economy's challenges are made of a mix of external and domestic factors. He is very aware that a lot of our problems stem from domestic factors and what we may term suicidal behaviour, mainly by leaders of the ruling party.

I think he knows that the behaviour and policy choices of President Jacob Zuma, whether it is "Nenegate" or the mining laws, have made his job extremely difficult when he needs capital inflow to mitigate the increasing inflation. However, he can't say that.

In some areas, we have good long-term plans on the table. However, there is a lack of vision in the leadership of the ruling party to implement where we have plans such as the National Development Plan. In addition, there is inertia.

For example, we know that we have a serious water problem and we have a plan in place to tackle it. We need the Lesotho Highlands II to be getting off the ground but we are waiting for a serious crisis to hit us before we act.

What urgent steps should be taken to get the country out of this hole?

We should focus on partnerships with business, which has abundant expertise to help the country address its underdevelopment challenges.

We must focus on lowering the costs of doing business. If we grow business activity, we will broaden the tax base, generating more money that can be allocated to critical development areas such as employment generation, health, education and infrastructure.

We must be very worried about the state of the education system and the direction it is taking. The tertiary education system will collapse if nothing is done about funding.

We are now seen as a corrupt state even by international institutions. Corruption in South Africa robs the poor of access to various public services, which could change their lives. It is going to take some doing to reverse that perception. It requires the ANC to look beyond protecting individuals. The ANC must respect the courts and act accordingly when the law has ruled. We need to send a strong message to the international community that we are willing and able to hold those in power accountable.

Then there are the state-owned enterprises. We must seriously look into privatisation and joint ventures with companies with strong balance sheets and expertise to turn around the fortunes of the troubled ones. For entities like South African Airways, the state needs to look for partners like others in Africa such as the Ethiopian or Kenyan airlines. We need to build alliances with those that are better than we are. We can learn from them.

South Africa has little choice but to take some serious decisions that will boost the economy and absorb millions living at the margins of economic activity. It must stop focusing on other social and political goals, sideshows, like the black industrialists' policy. The energy placed in creating a few millionaires and billionaires when many people remain outside must be redirected.

South Africa can expect zero growth. Its problems are largely homemade is republished with permission from The Conversation

Source: Solutions to South Africa's Lack of Growth are Out There

Wimpy promises SA's meat lovers a thrill

A new campaign from FCB Joburg, Team Best and Hungry Films for Famous Brands' casual dining destination chain, Wimpy, is promising South Africa's meat lovers a 'thrill' the next time they opt for a grill in one of its restaurants.

Targeting consumers within the LSM 6-7 groupings, the two television commercials launching the campaign – 'Pasta' and 'Wraps' – were conceived by the agency's Executive Creative Director Jonathan Deeb, Creative Director Suhana Gordhan, Copywriter Thabang Manyelo and Art Director Tshepo Mosoeu.

They introduce viewers to Papa, a man who won't accept that a meal without meat just isn't a proper meal.

"To increase brand relevance and grow market share, Wimpy wanted to enhance its positioning as a casual dining destination offering big eat and value grill meals," said Marketing Manager, Luise Peters.

"To do so, it created the 'Thrill of the Grill' promotion for just R59.90 demonstrating that, when it comes to satisfying their meaty craving, consumers can do so at Wimpy, without breaking the bank.

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"The agency then created Papa, a man who is firmly against meals that do not feature meat to demonstrate the Wimpy offering. Whenever Papa hears words from the kitchen that imply that his wife is planning a meatless feast, he interrupts her, distracts the family and whisks them off to Wimpy."

"Papa is a slightly cheesy character, making silly puns and attempting to be hip as he distracts his teenage boys and their mother from the planned salad wrap and pasta meals," added Gordhan.

"However, while his behaviour in the kitchen fails to impress them, the entire family is impressed with the Thrill of the Grill, such is the power of Wimpy."

The ads are flighting on SABC 1, 2 and 3 as well as M-Net, eTV and DSTV. They were shot over two days in Melville.

Credits:

Client: Famous BrandsBrand: WimpyMarketing manager: Luise PetersCreative agency: FCB JoburgKey account management: Mike Di Terlizzi, Musa Phanga and Muzi MabhenaExecutive creative director: Jo nathan DeebCreative director: Suhana GordhanCopywriter: Thabang ManyeloArt director: Tshepo MosoeuStrategic planner: Thobeka SibiyaTV production: Vanessa BorthwickMedia planners: Tahnee CokayneProduction companies: Team Best and Hungry FilmsDirector: Bryan van Niekerk and Asher Sholtz (Team Best), Ian Difford (Hungry Films)Post-production: Mushroom

Source: Wimpy promises SA's meat lovers a thrill

Zim players flock to Tanzania

By Nigel Matongorere

In the past, South Africa used to be the preferred destination for Zimbabwean footballers but in recent months Tanzania has slowly emerged as another option.

Method Mwanjali during the 2013 Nedbank Cup Mamelodi Sundowns training on the 20 February 2013 at Chloorokop©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix

Former FC Platinum duo of Donald Ngoma and Thabani Kamusoko started the trend when they signed for Dar es Salaam giants Young Africa last year. Ngoma and Kamusoko had a fairytale debut season when Yanga won a league and cup double.

The duo success has opened the doors for other Zimbabwean players, who are now flocking to the East African country. Former CAPS United captain Method Mwanjali has also followed suit and left the country last month to join Yanga.

The country's leading top goal scorer Bruce Kangwa of Highlanders left Bulawayo last Tuesday to go and finalise his move to Azam FC. Kangwa left the country together with Makepekepe forward Abbas Amidu, who is also set to seal his move to Azam.

More local players might be on their way to Tanzania as there are a few weeks before the Ligi Kuu Bara's transfer window closes. On the other hand, only four Zimbabwean players have crossed the Limpopo to join South African clubs during this transfer period.

Dynamos captain Augustine Mbara has signed for Highlands Park, Harare City full back Blessing Moys has joined Maritzburg United while the Chicken Inn duo of Edmore Chirambadare and Mitchell Katsvairo has signed for Kaizer Chiefs.

In previous transfer windows, Super Diski clubs would raid the Zimbabwean market for all the top talent on offer. At one point South African football fans used to joke that Zimbabwean clubs have a "buy one get two" policy for their player.

Tanzanian clubs are now emerging as a major player on the Zimbabwean transfer market competing with their Super Diski counterparts.

But what is luring Zimbabwean stars to opt for Tanzania rather than the Super Diski?

Last year, the Ligi Kuu Bara signed a three-year sponsorship deal with mobile telecommunications giants Vodacom worth $3.1 million per season.

Local football intermediary George Deda, the man behind most of those deals taking Zimbabwean players to Tanzania, believes the Ligi Kuu Bara is now a better attraction to the Super Diski.

"As an agent or manager my number one priority is to find the best deal for my clients and at the moment the most fertile land is in Tanzania," Deda told the Daily News on Sunday.

"Rich pickings are no longer found in South Africa alone, the Tanzanian clubs are now getting a lot of sponsorship and they are paying their players well.

"South African clubs rarely pay winning bonuses, they don't offer you free accommodation and the lifestyle across the Limpopo is also very expensive."

Deda added: "If you look closely, the only local footballer who is living comfortably or who is wealthy, it has to be Edward Sadomba.

"But Sadomba only spent about six months in South Africa at Wits before he was deemed excess baggage. He went onto to play in Mozambique, Sudan and Libya which is where he amassed his wealth."

Deda said Zimbabwean footballers are missing out on good opportunities to break into Europe because the local agents are not adventurous to try their luck in East or North Africa.

"The main problem is with us the agent or managers because we fear to venture into different markets," he said.

"We are not doing our work properly. We should have Zimbabwean players all over the continent; right now East Africa is an emerging market which we should capitalise on.

"North Africa has always been a good market and we should get our players in there where they also have a better chance of getting into Europe.

"Scouts from France, Belgium and the Netherlands are ever present in countries like Morocco, Tunisia and Egypt looking for the next big African star."

Former Warriors winger Alois Bunjira welcomed the emerging of this new market in East Africa and other regions.

"If the money is good then I urge our players to try out these new countries. That's what Nigerians do; they are all over Africa and the world and when they come back home, they bring back that extra flavour to the national team."

Bunjira added: "This is what our players need to do. Go out and try their luck in these new leagues which are offering better packages so that they can live comfortably after retiring."

Another football intermediary Gibson Mahachi admitted that Tanzania is now becoming a attractive destination but South Africa remained the primary goal for local players.

"The South African Premiership remains the best league on the continent in terms of sponsorship and professionalism," Mahachi told the Daily News on Sunday.

"For me the Tanzania is coming up; there seems to be a few clubs that are well sponsored and they seem to doing well.

"But it will not make sense to compare the wealth of the South African league with any other on the continent. The Super Diski is probably the sixth or seventh best sponsored league in the world." Daily News

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Source: Zim players flock to Tanzania

Sub-Saharan Africa remains a fast-growing region in world: report

JOHANNESBURG, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Sub-Saharan Africa remains a fast-growing region in the world despite a relative slow down, multinational professional services firm Ernst & Young (EY) said on Monday.

This is reflected in the foreign direct investment (FDI) levels in 2015, where FDI project numbers increased by seven percent, EY said in its 2016 Africa Attractiveness Program, issued in Johannesburg.

Although the capital value of projects was down year-on-year, from 88.5 billion U.S. dollars in 2014 to 71.3 billion in 2015, this was still higher than the 2010-2014 average of 68 billion U.S. dollars, the report said.

Similarly, jobs created were down year-on-year, but still ahead of the average for 2010-2014, the report showed.

"Over the past year, global markets have experienced unprecedented volatility. We've witnessed the collapse of commodity prices and a number of currencies across Africa," said Ajen Sita, Africa Chief Executive Officer at EY.

"And with reference to the two largest markets, starting with South Africa, we saw GDP growth decline sharply to below one percent and the country averting a credit ratings downgrade; in Nigeria, the slowdown in that economy was impacted further by the decline in the oil price and currency devaluation pressure," Sita said.

The reality is that economic growth across the region is likely to remain slower in coming years than it has been over the past 10 to 15 years, and the main reasons for a relative slowdown are not unique to Africa, according to EY.

"In fact, Africa was one of the only two regions in the world in which there was growth in FDI project levels over the past year," Sita said.

In 2015, East Africa recorded its highest share of FDI across Africa, achieving 26.3 percent of total projects.

The West Africa region saw a rebound in FDI projects by 16.2 percent, and in 2015, the region became the leading recipient of capital investment on the continent, outpacing Southern Africa.

"In a context of heightened concerns about economic and political risk across the continent, FDI flows remain robust, and in line with levels we have seen over the past five years. A key factor here is the structural shift in FDI, from a high concentration of source countries and destination markets and sectors, to a far more diverse FDI landscape," said Michael Lalor, EY's Africa Business Center Leader.

"As a result, risks and opportunities are being spread much wider, and there is no longer an overdependence on a limited group of investors or sectors to drive FDI performance," Lalor said.

In 2015, further evidence of sector diversification came through, with business services, automotive, cleantech and life sciences all rising in significance and becoming the likely "next wave" for investors, according to the report.

The US retained its position in 2015, as the largest investor in the continent, with 96 investment projects valued at 6.9 billion U.S. dollars. During 2015, traditional investors such as the UK and France, as well as the UAE and India, also showed renewed interest in Africa.

Source: Sub-Saharan Africa remains a fast-growing region in world: report

The world needs a strong Africa: UNWTO candidate Walter Mzembi shares is views

Zimbabwe's tourism minister, the Honorable Dr Walter Mzembi has been circling the globe to lobby countries to vote for him as the next Secretary General for the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). The Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry shared his views with Sunday Mail in Zimbabwe and eTurboNews:

Minister Mzembi stated:

I have come of age as arguably the dean of African tourism ministers. As a continent, we have realised that we should give one of our own an opportunity to contest for the United Nations World Tourism Organisation secretary-general's post. Since the UNWTO's inception in 1975, no African has held that post and we see that we are increasingly becoming the weak link in global performance.

In the year leading to 2015, tourism arrivals to Africa declined by -3 percent, down to 53 million from 56 million. We are only participating to the extent of 3 percent of global tourism performance at US$1,5 trillion. This sector employs one in 11 people in the world, equivalent to 288 million jobs that are generated by this low-hanging fruit.

Africa's market share is just a mere 3 to 5 percent, so we are the weak link and I think the globe needs a strong Africa that will contribute to the growth, not the decline of the sector. Our performance shouldn't weigh down global performance.

It is only an African in that position who can reverse the trend because the world is pretty much at a loss on how to deal with Africa. Ahead of us is 2017 — the United Nations International Year for Sustainable Tourism for Development — and we don't want to get there with an Africa that is found wanting, a weak link in the chain.  

We want to get there with an Africa with clarity on positive growth projections and is an equal player.

This started last year when I impressed on Africa Union Commission Chair Dr Nkosazana Dhlamini-Zuma and her team that to get to the "Africa we want", we had to integrate the missing link in Agenda 2063 — travel and tourism — as we capture it under the UNWTO Commission for Africa that I chair.

How would we get to 2063 — 50 years from now — without a continental tourism policy?

Travel is the revolution of our contemporary times.There were 25 million tourists 65 years ago, today we have 1, 2 billion.

This kind of exponential growth has no comparison to any other economic sector.

It would be a tragedy if Africa continues missing in action in this sector that precedes trade and investment.

There is a tradition in UN systems — if you follow the current race for the replacement of Ban ki-Moon — that favours some kind of equity and regional rotation in the deployment of key positions.

If this is anything to go by, it is in the UNWTO. It's time for Africa, and I have been endorsed to carry the cross.

I must state here at the outset, though, that I am very grateful to the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Cde Robert Mugabe, for allowing this special dispensation for me to run for office with the added advantage of incumbency in the capacity of Minister of Tourism.

It is a joy to work with him to the extent that he comprehends the significance of deployment to international systems as it has huge benefits for the country and continent.

UNWTO benefits to Africa

My brief is marketing and promoting Zimbabwe domestically and internationally. The campaign is an add-on to what I am already doing.

I haven't altered my travel diary to answer this campaign.

My routine travel diary is natural to the exposure that anyone seeking office would have to be subjected to.

So, I am simply leveraging on the leadership demands of my mandate as Minister and Chair of the UNWTO Commission for Africa to pitch my candidature.

I have a dual theme, "It's Time for Africa" and "Africa's man for the World".

The first aspect speaks to our plea for fairness and equity, whilst the second deals with my own craft competence for the post.

The campaign is arguably one of the most followed issues in global tourism today.

The Walter Mzembi brand is synonymous with Zimbabwe and vice versa (so there are) intangible benefits that come with brand recognition arising from elective processes.

I will use two analogies: Barack Obama and his Kenyan descendants and how every Kenyan proudly associates with this brand name, the President of the United States.

There is also Koffi Annan during his time as UN Secretary General and how every Ghanaian claimed relations of one shade or another with him.

In both instances, the deployments raised the brand profile and equity of Kenya, Ghana and Africa.

So shall it be with me, Zimbabwe and Africa in the UN system.

Many people take stock of tangible benefits, placing the self at the centre to say, "How much did I make out of this event?"

We count intangible benefits, the image and reputation of the country to the extent that the brand has never been the same after (the 20th Session of the UNWTO General Assembly co-hosted by Zimbabwe and Zambia).

Prior to this, Zimbabwe — gliding through sanctions slapped by the European Union until November 2014 when revocation of Article 96 was enacted, combined with Zidera by the US — was not the world's most favoured host of the UNWTO General Assembly.

You don't want to imagine the disdain I met when I first proposed Zimbabwe as a host!

It reminded me of John 1: 46, "And Nathaniel said to him, 'Nazareth! Can anything good come out of Nazareth?'"

Phillip said to him, "Come and see."

It was unimaginable that the Messiah could come from Nazareth.

The world came to Victoria Falls in 2013 and saw for itself, and its sentiment is best captured by the remarks of the incumbent Secretary General, Dr Talib Rifai.

Dr Rifai had this to say, "This has been the best attended General Assembly in the history of General Assemblies."

After this, we have never looked back.

September 2014 saw Zimbabwe being awarded the World Best Destination Status by the Bucharest-based European Council on Tourism and Trade.

The New York Times included us in its 2015 Annual "52 Global Must Visit Destinations" Report, with the citation, "Once avoided, now a must see".

Those who were looking for tangible benefits and probably did some invoicing of some of the activities of the event have since forgotten about it and yet intangibly, the world still remembers it.

The country's tourism has grown in leaps and bounds to the extent where it is acknowledged not just as an economic pillar, but one that now leads in projected sectoral growth at 4,1 percent for the year 2015-2016, according to the Minister of Finance's 2015 National Budget statement.

Turning adversity into opportunity

Zimbabwe had a negative brand name recognition when I assumed office in 2009.

I immediately realised that there was not a single person who did not know Zimbabwe out there.

So, I sought, in the first instance, to place a new Zimbabwe in the mindset of the international community through re-engagement and getting the country readmitted into the canons of global tourism.

I realised at that stage that it was possible to leverage tourism as a peace sector and a tool for citizen or public diplomacy.

I also learnt that in the majority of cases, ordinary citizens have absolutely no clue on fallouts between State administrations.

Therefore, tourism would be the bridge for people-to-people diplomacy that nation States should never collapse.

On the back of this philosophy, all my engagement with international source markets had a political message and plea to State administrations on behalf of the people of Zimbabwe and in the process, negotiating away negative travel advisories.

By July 2009 — five months after my deployment — the world had bought this message and granted Zimbabwe a clean bill of travel health.

Immediately after that, I took a rebranded Zimbabwe into UNWTO leadership, starting with our election to the executive council in September 2009 in Astana, Kazakhstan.

We remained in there until 2013 when I changed course for the country and lobbied for the Commission for Africa Chairmanship that we hold up to this very day.

So, we have been in global agenda-setting for tourism since.

The Africa Travel Association — recently acquired by the Washington-based Corporate Council for Africa in its new structure — has proposed a Council of Ministers which they have asked me to chair. This would be a record fourth time that I am president of the association.

In summary, I have conquered the Nazareth factor on behalf of my country, and now is the time to do it for Africa!

Source: The world needs a strong Africa: UNWTO candidate Walter Mzembi shares is views

What Destinations are Hot in July?

PHOTO: Belize has experienced a surge in sales as of late. (photo by Brian Major)

Temperatures are high and summer travel is hitting its peak, but where exactly is everyone jetting off to?

"We at Discover Latin America/Blue World Journeys have had a challenging year due to media reports about the Zika virus," said David Capaldi, president of Discover Latin America. "However, while travel to Latin America remains at a lower level than in the past, we have seen a surge in sales to Belize."

Capaldi said the reason for the bump in travelers to Belize is due to a number of new nonstop routes that have opened up, from Atlanta, Miami, Houston, Dallas and Los Angeles, on all major airlines.

READ MORE: Why Colombia Should Be Your Next Vacation Destination

"Americans are traveling to this jewel of a country more than ever," he said. "It's beautiful and tropical, it's safe and friendly and everyone there speaks English. While it's a great beach destination, our clients seem far more interested in the jungle where they can stay in luxury jungle lodges and enjoy some soft adventure."

He describes Belize as Costa Rica the way it was 30 years ago before it became inundated with tourists. "We're also seeing more interest in Australia and New Zealand, again due to new non-stop flights and the strength of the U.S. dollar making travel there more affordable than ever," he said.

With some travelers being afraid to travel, Australia and New Zealand are becoming a bit more popular. "They are perceived as 'safe' destinations by Americans, something paramount at a time when the media is filled with reports of terrorism," he said.

However, according to Vivienne Kouba, the vice president of Leisure Travel Division at Peak Travel Group, a Signature Travel Network Member, "People still want their Europe fix and they want to work with a trusted source."

Meredith Donaldson, a Luxury Travel Consultant at Casto Vacations has seen an uptick in last-minute travel to London in July. "This is due to the business class fare sales and the strong dollar to pound," she said.

Linda Marshall, an affiliate of Travel Experts, Inc. said that her customers are still interested in getting to Cuba, as well as Iceland. "This is very surprising as they are both quite expensive and it is difficult to confirm good accommodations," she said.

There has been a resurgence of activity to East Africa, particular, Kenya for Greg Geronemus, the co-CEO of smarTours. "Strong numbers for Kenya in July during the Great Migration historically would not be surprising, but after a couple years of travelers shying away, we were pleasantly surprised to see demand return to more robust levels," he said.

For his clients who want to cool off from the heat, they are heading to Alaska in July. "We currently have clients there doing an Adventure by Disney vacation. The weather is perfect this time of year for an Alaskan adventure," Greg Antonelle of MickeyTravels, LLC said.

Summertime also means weddings and it's a popular time for engaged couples to jet off for their nuptials or to check out places for future destination weddings. "We continue to see many couples opting to get hitched in tropical locales," said Megan Velez, vice president of product, Destination Weddings Travel Group. "Mexico and the Dominican Republic top the list of destinations, alongside Jamaica, Costa Rica, Aruba and St. Lucia. With that said, the era of adventurous "I do's" is upon us, with unexpected places like Iceland, Canada and Italy scaling the list. Our LGBTQ couples are especially embracing destinations that openly welcome same-sex weddings, including Ireland, Spain and South Africa."

Statistics from StudentUniverse, which books trips for students and youth, shared their top destinations for July as New York, Los Angeles, Beijing, Shanghai, Chicago and London.

"When we compared the 2016 top July destinations with 2015, San Francisco (previously #6) fell off the list, and Chicago (not even on the list in 2015) is now in the #5 spot for 2016," said Danielle Dougan. "Shanghai and Beijing holding prominent spots on the list both years is no surprise — the majority of these are international students traveling back from their campuses in the U.S."

READ MORE: Embracing the Strong Dollar: 3 Must-Visit Destinations For Americans

When they looked specifically at top destinations U.S. passport holders were traveling to, they were New York, London, Paris, Los Angeles, Dublin and Chicago. "When we compared them to destinations for 2016 with 2015, Paris and Dublin came into the top five in 2016 (previously not on the list in 2015)," said Dougan.

Each month we will check in with travel agents to see what's trending and what isn't.

Source: What Destinations are Hot in July?

Traveller experts' month-to-month guide of when to visit the world's best destinations

Discover the perfect destination for each month of the year.

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Sometimes, choosing where to go is the easy part. Once you have selected your next holiday destination, you move on to the more difficult decision: when to go? Do you stick with the safe option, the peak period, knowing that prices will be high and sights will be crowded? Or do you take a punt on the off-season, running the risk of inclement weather and that some attractions may be shut?

We share your pain.

That's why we consulted five leading global travel experts to help us compile the ultimate travel calendar. Read on to discover the perfect destination for each month of the year, as well as the best tips on what to do when you get there, happy in the knowledge that you are finally in the right place at the right time.

JANUARY

WHERE Hawaii

WHY "I was in Hawaii in January this year, and seeing the migrating whales was magnificent," says John Boulding of Insight Vacations (insightvacations.com). "The weather is wonderful, the surf swells are amazing, and you avoid the peak family times."

EXPERT TIP "A sunset stroll along the coast is a great way to end the days," says Boulding, "so pack a pair of decent walking shoes."

WHERE ELSE THIS MONTH Sri Lanka for its beaches, culture, and wildlife, says James Thornton of Intrepid (intrepidtravel.com), and Antarctica for its wildlife. "There are penguin chicks and seal pups and whales, and with 22 hours sunlight, the photography is great," says Sue Badyari of World Expeditions (worldexpeditions.com). 

FEBRUARY

WHERE Nepal

WHY "The end of winter in Nepal is cold and clear, with deep blue skies and very few trekkers," says Badyari. "A scenic flight over Everest is 'really something'. February is the perfect time to do this, with great clarity and stability."

EXPERT TIP "Celebrate the end of your trek," says Badyari, "with the superb seven-course dinner at Dwarikas in Kathmandu."

WHERE ELSE THIS MONTH Tanzania for the off-season: "If you want to avoid the crowds, this is a great time to have an experience that may almost feel like a private safari," says Martin Edwards of Bench International (benchinternational.com.au), and Tasmania for walking. "The mild weather makes this a great time to try a trek such as the Overland Track, one of our finest walks," says Badyari. 

MARCH

WHERE Jordan

WHY "The wildflowers in the desert are blooming and the temperatures are comfortable," says Edwards. "There is so much to see and do at Petra, with new sites constantly being uncovered by archaeologists. You should allow several days to see it all."

EXPERT TIP "There are different events at Petra on different days of the week," says Edwards. "On Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, you can see the Treasury by candlelight."

WHERE ELSE THIS MONTH San Francisco for active adventures: "It is a great time to go cycling from the Golden Gate Bridge down to Sausalito," says Boulding. Amsterdam for tulips: "Riding a bike through Keukenhof Park when the tulips are in full bloom is an iconic experience," says Gavin Tollman of Trafalgar Tours (trafalgar.com).

APRIL

WHERE Japan

WHY "Cherry blossom season runs from March until May; it is one of the busiest seasons, but if you can handle the crowds, it really is worth it," says Thornton. "An overnight stay in a ryokan or temple is a very serene experience," says Thornton. "The simplicity of it gives you the opportunity to reflect."

EXPERT TIP "You will be taking off your shoes an enormous amount," says Thornton, "so don't leave home without slip-on shoes, and check you have packed socks with no holes."

WHERE ELSE THIS MONTH Vietnam for history, culture and nature: "There is an enormous divergence of climates across this beautiful country, but April is the time when you will get the best combination," says Tollman. Uganda for mountain gorillas: "The permits are much cheaper at this time of year, so it's a great time for what is one of the most unforgettable wildlife experiences," says Edwards. 

MAY

WHERE South Africa

WHY "It's the low season, and lower costs mean you get to do more," says Edwards. "From the diversity of Cape Town to luxury rail journeys, there is so much to see. There is a lot to do in Cape Town: take the cable car up Table Mountain, visit Nelson Mandela's prison on Robben Island, head out to the vineyards at Franschoek and Stellenbosch."

EXPERT TIP "Cape Town's changeable weather means you have to be flexible," says Edwards. "If you wake up and the sky is clear, head up Table Mountain. If the sea is still, head out to Robben Island."

WHERE ELSE THIS MONTH Myanmar for scenery: "The start of the wet season is a great time to see Myanmar's lush landscapes without the crowds," says Badyari. London for its spring fever: "The city comes to life after the winter; the deck chairs come out, and the parks are full of daffodils," says Tollman.

JUNE

WHERE Lisbon

WHY "In June, the Festas de Lisboa, when the city celebrates its patron saint, turns Lisbon into one large street party," says Tollman. "And whenever I go to Lisbon, I always end up seeing a fado show. It is music that stirs the soul."

EXPERT TIP "Evenings start very very late in Lisbon, "says Tollman. "If you go out at 8pm or 9pm, you will find things are absolutely dead."

WHERE ELSE THIS MONTH The Canadian Rockies for scenery: "June is the best time to enjoy the majestic lakes and mountains, and also for wildlife spotting," says Boulding. Peru for trekking: "Instead of the Inca Trail, try the incredible Salcantay Trail that passes through the Sacred Valley, including low cloud forest and high passes," says Badyari. 

JULY

WHERE Stockholm

WHY "Winters in Stockholm are long and dark, so it's no surprise that the city comes alive in summer," says Tollman.

"The medieval streets of Stockholm's historic Old Town are wonderfully picturesque. With cobbled streets and hidden alleyways, getting lost is part of the fun."

EXPERT TIP "Cinnamon buns are a local favourite, says Tollman, and make for the perfect breakfast. "Starting the day with a cinnamon bun and a coffee makes you feel just a little Swedish."

WHERE ELSE THIS MONTH Alaska for wildlife: "In July, you get warmer weather, extra daylight, and black bears and grizzlies fishing for salmon," says Boulding. St Petersburg for White Nights: "This is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and the long days of summer are when the colourful White Nights festival takes place," Tollman says. 

AUGUST

WHERE Borneo

WHY "In August, the trees are fruiting, and the orangutans are grazing closer to the ground, so you get much closer to them," says Thornton. "There are also Asian monkeys, Asian elephants, and endangered green and hawksbill turtles. Even though temperatures are lower in August, it can be very humid, so wear loose fitting clothing and drink plenty of water."

EXPERT TIP Climbing Mount Kinabalu in Sabah, one of the two states of Malaysia on the island of Borneo. "You have to start your trek at 2am, but watching the sun rise from atop the mountain is one of the most unforgettable experiences," Thornton says.

WHERE ELSE THIS MONTH Edinburgh for festivals: "The excitement is palpable as you encounter performers and an abundance of jovial personalities at every turn," says Tollman. Australia's Red Centre for Indigenous culture: "Apart from those spectacular landscapes, the Red Centre is a great place to try bush tucker and see rock art," says Thornton.

SEPTEMBER

WHERE France

WHY "The school holidays are finished and the temperatures are a little cooler, which makes September a great month for cycling or walking," says Badyari. "Local markets are great at this time of the year, laden with mushrooms, walnuts, chestnuts, truffles and quince."

EXPERT TIP Surf lessons in France? Definitely, says Badyari. "Biarritz is a mix of California and Paris, with its surf culture, its turn-of-the-century architecture, and really amazing food."

WHERE ELSE THIS MONTH China for festivals: "China seems to decompress in autumn, and the calendar is packed with traditional festivals," says Tollman. Botswana for big game: "This is one of the ultimate times to visit the Okavango Delta. The game viewing is phenomenal, and you can try water-based activities such as canoe safaris," says Edwards.

OCTOBER

WHERE Rio de Janeiro

WHY During summer, the most popular season to visit Rio, "the city becomes very, very crowded," says Boulding. "With milder temperatures and fewer visitors, October is a much more pleasant time to visit. The climb to the top of the statue of Christ the Redeemer can be quite a trial, but the breathtaking views are worth it."

EXPERT TIP "Take sensible precautions," says Boulding. "you won't want to be wearing jewellery or carrying your wallet in your back pocket."

WHERE ELSE THIS MONTH Morocco for great travelling conditions: "Summer can be stifling hot; in winter, you can get snow. October offers pleasant weather for travelling," says Thornton, who also nominates Dubrovnik for uncrowded travel: "Travelling in October gives you the opportunity to experience the real Dubrovnik: to talk to the locals, roam through the iconic sights and wander the streets."

NOVEMBER

WHERE India

WHY India is a vast country with diverse climates, says Badyari, but in November the weather is fine across much of the country. "It is cool, the monsoon has broken, and conditions are great from Delhi all the way down to the southern tip. The little-known site of Hampi is comparable to Cambodia's Angkor Wat. It is a large-scale site with varied architecture; put it on your bucket list and get there as soon as possible."

EXPERT TIP "A lot of Indian monuments are closed on Mondays," says Badyari, "so factor that into your travel planning."

WHERE ELSE THIS MONTH The Galapagos Islands for wildlife: "A great time to see all the animals that amazed Darwin, from the giant tortoises to bluefooted boobies and sea lion pups," says Boulding. Cambodia for cycling: "Cycling is a great way to explore the temples at Siem Reap, particularly the less visited ones. Other times of year can be stifling hot, but November is milder," says Badyari. 

DECEMBER

WHERE Cuba

WHY "The weather is great in December, and if you want to see Cuba before it changes, sooner is better than later," says Thornton. "And Cuba has some intoxicating cities apart from Havana," says Thornton. "I love Trinidad in the south, which has a much more relaxed energy and is surrounded by stunning views."

EXPERT TIP "Long-distance travel in Cuba can be slow and complicated. Cycling or sailing trips can be better ways to get around."

WHERE ELSE THIS MONTH Patagonia for walking: "This is a great time to explore Torres del Paine National Park, with its lakes, beach forests, grasslands and condors circling overhead," says Badyari. Zambia for the rainy season: "It is a different experience, with amazing African thunderstorms, spectacular sunsets and lots of baby animals to see," says Edwards.

FAST LANE: WHEN (AND WHEN NOT) TO VISIT MAJOR SIGHTS

THE TAJ MAHAL, AGRA

Badyari: "So many people get caught out when they show up to the Taj Mahal on a Friday, which is the day when it's closed."

VATICAN CITY, ROME

Thornton: "Many people don't realise the Vatican museums are closed on Sundays. St Peters Square also gets crowded on Sundays, when all the people come to see the Pope."

ST MARKS SQUARE, VENICE

Boulding: "If you are staying near St Marks Square in Venice, take a stroll first thing in the morning or late at night, and you'll avoid the crowds that usually fill this beautiful space."

MUSEUMS, PARIS

Tollman: "During the summer months, many Parisian museums are open later in the evening, so you can avoid the massive queues that happen at peak times."

EGYPTIAN MUSEUM, CAIRO

Edwards: "We used to recommend visiting the Egyptian Museum in Cairo first thing in the morning to avoid endless lines. With tourist numbers down at the moment, it's not a problem."

WHEN THE WRONG TIME IS THE RIGHT TIME

DELHI

Badyari: "Delhi during the monsoon is stifling hot, but being there when the weather breaks is amazing. There is an immediate change in atmosphere: people start dancing in the rain."

ANTARCTICA

Thornton: "Everyone told me going to Antarctica at the end of the season wasn't a good idea, but we saw the most fantastic number of whales."

RIO DE JANEIRO

Boulding: "We knew we would be arriving in Rio right after Carnival; what we didn't realise is that there are a whole series of 'after parades', which were wonderful to watch."

CHINA

Tollman: "I went to China in Golden Week in early October, when the entire country shuts down. In that situation, you have to adapt and find something else to do: fortunately, there was plenty of incredible food to enjoy."

SOUTH AFRICA

Edwards: "Going on safari in South Africa in winter, the morning game drives are bitterly cold. However, we found that the blankets and hot water bottles help a lot, and I also got some of the best photos I've ever had on safari."

THE ALL-ROUNDERS: THE PLACES WORTH VISITING ANYTIME

GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

Thornton: "There is not really an off-season in the Galapagos Islands; the wildlife experience is always superb."

NEW YORK

Boulding: "There is always something happening in New York. In summer, you have great outdoors activities but even in deepest winter, there is still something magical about it."

IRELAND

Tollman: "I have been in Ireland every month of the year, and it is always wonderful. Even in winter, huddling in front of a big fireplace with a Guinness and some Irish stew is incredibly romantic."

EAST AFRICA

Edwards: "No matter when you go to East Africa, you will always have a great wildlife experience."

AUSTRALIA

Badyari: "From exploring the Northern Territory and the Bungles Bungles during winter to hiking in Tasmania in summer, Australia has great year-round options for walking, cycling and kayaking."

The story Traveller experts' month-to-month guide of when to visit the world's best destinations first appeared on The Sydney Morning Herald.

Source: Traveller experts' month-to-month guide of when to visit the world's best destinations

Shandong wetlands: The perfect summer destination

2016-07-22 10:52 By (chinadaily.com.cn)

Wetland scenery in Taierzhuang city, East China's Shandong province, July 21, 2016. [Photo by Gao Qimin/Asianews photo]

Shandong province currently has about 1.74 million hectares of wetland, comprising 11.09 percent of its total area, and five percent of China's total wetland habitats.

The wetlands in Shandong fall into five categories: offshore and coastal wetlands, river wetlands, lake wetlands, swamp wetlands and artificial wetlands.

Source: Shandong wetlands: The perfect summer destination

Ethiopian Airlines promotes Durban tourism

By Morkporkpor Anku, (Courtesy Ethiopian Airlines)

Durban (South Africa), July 21, GNA - A 15-member Ghanaian delegation has ended a five-day familiarisation tour of selected tourist destinations in Durban, South Africa.

The trip sponsored by Ethiopian Airlines with support from the Durban Tourism Authority is to expose the delegation comprising of travel and tour operators and journalists to the rich history and culture of the people of Durban.

It was also in a bid to enhance Durban as a tourism destination in Africa.

Mr Mengistu Adelahu, Ethiopian Airlines Traffic and Sales Manager in Durban, briefing the delegation, said the Airline decided to organize the trip because it had opened its first commercial flight on that route in December, last year.

The service, the third destination in South Africa after Johannesburg and Cape Town, was to support the tourism drive of the Durban metropolis.

Durban is the second largest metropolitan city and the second most important manufacturing hub in South Africa and it is one of the main tourism destinations in Africa because of the city's subtropical climate and extensive beaches.

He said partnering with the tourism authority was one of the best ways to attract tourists to the city to generate revenue for the country, while promoting the Airline.

He said Durban has equal tourist destinations to offer like other major cities including Johannesburg and Cape Town and called on the traveling public to patronize all the attractions in the city.

Mrs Nadine Williams, the Marketing Officer, Durban Tourism told the Ghana News Agency that the security situation in the city was assured for tourist and travelers.

She said management has also been working to develop Durban as a destination for films and entertainment to enable tourists enjoy their stay.

She said the number of flight that that flew to the city was not enough, adding that "we are looking at increasing seasonal flight and other airlines flying to Durban."

She said substantial investment have been made in tourism infrastructure in the township areas to attract travellers.

A key component of the city's strategy focuses on growing the "Brand Durban", highlights the majestic infrastructure and showcasing the visitor experience to new markets.

Some of the tourist destination visited included Inanda Heritage Route, Mahatma Gandi settlement, Phezule safari park, Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve, Lake Eland Game Reserve and Moses Mobhida Sports Stadium.

The group also visited Ohlange High School, founded by the late Dr John Langalibalele Dube, the founding President of the African National Congress.

GNA

Source: Ethiopian Airlines promotes Durban tourism

CES to host Africa Tech Now Village startup showcase in 2017

By Graham van der Made: Staff Reporter on 21 July, 2016

Taking place at the yearly CES technology exhibition in Las Vegas, Eureka Park is the destination for startups to launch new products during the event. In 2017, it will also play host to African startup showcase, Africa Tech Now Village.

The Africa Tech Now Village will connect ten pre-selected startups with investors, potential clients, and more. They will also receive training, access to workshops, and a webinar for the event.

The event is looking at early to mid-stage startups in the digital technology field, such as edtech, agri-tech, and ecommerce, to name a few.

They also need to "show a ground breaking innovation," preferably addressing the consumer market.

A panel of international technology experts will select ten finalists, who will showcase at the final event.

All expenses will be paid for the finalists, including travel costs, accommodation, and visa fees.

Applications are open from 18 July until 31Aaugust. For more information or to apply for the programme, visit the African Tech Now Village website.

Feature image: Moto "Club4AG" Miwa via Flickr.

Graham started out as an electronics manager at Take2 Home Entertainment and went on to spend a further ten years in the South African ecommerce industry. During this time, Graham founded and managed an online geek and hobby shop. He has always had a passion for writing and has... More
Source: CES to host Africa Tech Now Village startup showcase in 2017

U.S. Tourism Up 18 Percent To South Africa, Driven By Weak Rand

U.S. Tourism Up 18 Percent To South Africa, Driven By Weak Rand By Dana Sanchez Published: July 20, 2016, 6:42 am Print Photo: southafrica.net

Travelers from all over the world took advantage of the weak rand in the first five months of 2015, choosing South Africa as a great value-for-money destination, BizCommunity reported.

Tourism from overseas markets to South Africa grew by 18.5 percent from January to May, compared to the same period in 2015, according to the latest release from Statistics SA.

All South Africa's major overseas markets are performing well, said Derek Hanekom, minister of tourism. Traditional overseas markets including the U.S. have grown by 18 percent in 2016. Tourism from the U.K., South Africa's leading overseas market, has grown by 13.7 percent. Germany was a top performer with 21 percent growth in tourism.

"The continuing growth in international tourist arrivals is wonderful news for the tourism sector," Hanekom said. "It will have a multiplier effect on the many industries that support tourism, so it's good news for the wider economy as well."

South Africa isn't the only country experiencing robust growth in international tourist arrivals.

International tourist arrivals grew by 5 percent across the globe between January and April 2016 according to the latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer. Results were robust almost everywhere and many destinations reported double-digit growth.

Africa overall is up 7 percent, international tourist arrivals in Sub-Saharan Africa are up 13 percent, while in North Africa is down 8 percent, Hotel News Resource reported.

Non-traditional tourism markets like India and China are moving up the rankings as source markets for South Africa, Biz Community reported. Tourist numbers from China have seen a 50 percent year-on-year increase. Indian tourist numbers grew by 37 percent in May compared to the previous year. May is traditionally the busiest month for Indian tourism to South Africa.

The weak rand is beginning to benefit exporters, Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan told a South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry meeting, according to a Business Day Live report. Sectors like tourism should be taking more advantage of the weak rand. A weak rand makes South Africa's tourism sector more attractive as it is cheaper for global tourists to travel to the country.

Strong performance in South African tourism has been driven by the weak rand, which fell from 11.78 rand per dollar in the first quarter 2015 to 15.34 rand per dollar at the end of Q1 2016, Money Web reported. It also helps that fears over Ebola have dissipated and confusion has died down over new visa regulations.

"Tourism is a dynamic and resilient economic sector," said UNWTO Secretary-General Taleb Rifai. "Yet, despite these good results, the tragic events of recent months remind us that safety and security remain a major challenge for all."

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Tags: Africa , tourist arrivals , traditional markets , weak rand , international visitors Print
Source: U.S. Tourism Up 18 Percent To South Africa, Driven By Weak Rand

Multi-destination deal with Cuba, Mexico and Dom Rep close – Bartlett

MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica (JIS) — Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett, says Jamaica is close to finalising a multi-destination marketing arrangement with Cuba, Mexico and the Dominican Republic.

Bartlett said that an agreement has already been signed with Cuba and he expects to ink a deal with Mexico before the end of July. Discussions are under way with the Dominican Republic.

"We have talked about this at length, but I can safely tell you that the multi-destination marketing and tourism strategy is picking up steam in the region," Bartlett said.

"The moment this happens, it would mean that the four major tourism destinations of the Caribbean would have signed multi-destination agreements, certainly by December, which will bring a new opportunity into the region for collaboration," he pointed out.

He said the collaboration "will be at a level that has never been seen before" and will include joint marketing and joint airlift arrangements.

"We will also be looking at the critical implications in terms of harmonising key policies to enable greater access to the region and greater access to each other's destinations," he added.  

"The whole issue of visa arrangements will also have to be examined. We also have to examine the matter of creating a single space so that pre-clearance arrangements could be looked at where, for example, if you arrive in Jamaica you would simultaneously be in domestic space in Cuba, Mexico and the Dominican Republic," he said.

Bartlett noted that the move will drive new arrivals, build volume and create greater opportunities for growth.

He said that the region has to look at innovations in travel including e-visas. "India, Australia and South Africa, for example, have been able to develop the platform that allows for visitors to go online and pay the requisite fees and get their printout visas to walk with," he noted.

"We also have to look at this kind of innovation as we seek to build out visitor facilitation," Bartlett added.

Source: Multi-destination deal with Cuba, Mexico and Dom Rep close – Bartlett

Australia tops dream destinations list in new luxury travel report

(Relaxnews) - Australia has emerged the dream destination among the world's affluent travelers, along with beach holidays and multi-generational family trips.

That's according to a new survey by Virtuoso, a travel agency network specializing in luxury travel which asked respondents to name their fantasy trips and bucket list destinations.

In the 2016 edition of the report, Australia was named the most popular playground for the rich, followed by Italy, Fiji, Greece and New Zealand.

Not surprisingly, a holiday on the beach was named the most popular type of travel, followed by adventure, cultural and historical holidays, family travel and food and wine.

When it comes to bucket list experiences, turns out the top trend in 2016 is the family vacation that caters to all generations -- grandparents, parents, teens and kids.

Tropical getaways that include lagoons, coral reefs, and overwater bungalows in French Polynesia slipped into second place, followed by the Amalfi Coast, the Greek Isles and a safari photographing the "Big Five" wildlife in Africa --  elephants, lions, buffalo, leopards and rhinos.

Virtuoso is made up of 390 member agencies in 40 countries that specialize in luxury travel.

Here are some of the results:

Top bucket list destinations

1. Australia2. Italy3. Fiji4. Greece5. New Zealand6. Maldives7. Ireland8. South Africa9. French Polynesia10. Antarctica

Most popular types of travel:

1. Beach2. Adventure3. Cultural/historical4. Family5. Food and wine6. Ocean cruising7. City8. Experiential9. River cruising10. Romantic11. Spa/wellness12. Weekend getaways13. Eco, sustainable travel14. Golf

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Source: Australia tops dream destinations list in new luxury travel report