Ô de Rose Spa at Mövenpick Marrakech voted Africa's best

The Ô de Rose Spa at Mövenpick Hotel Mansour Eddahbi Marrakech has been announced as "Best Luxury Hotel Spa in Africa" and "Best Luxury Wellness Spa in Morocco".

The distinctions were awarded by the jury of the World Luxury Spa Awards 2017 at a gala ceremony in Hanoi, Vietnam.

The World Luxury Spa Awards recognise the best luxury spas around the world for their high levels of service, expertise and excellence, as acknowledged by votes from the public and industry professionals.

Ô de Rose refers to the rosewater perfume preferred by Moroccan nobility during the 16th century Saadian dynasty. Among the five-star highlights in this two-floor wellness destination are soft steam showers, a jacuzzi, sauna, outdoor pool and seven treatment rooms, as well as a hammam complex for men and women.

A nail studio with Semilac products and L'Oreal hair salon complement the spa, which benefits from the expertise and know-how of Cinq Mondes. Authentic Moroccan products such as argan oil, beldi black soap and rhassoul mud are also used.

"As a hotel team, we are delighted about these distinguished awards. I believe the way in which our Ô de Rose Spa combines fragrance, design, history, service and skill is what makes it such an unforgettable venue for spa experiences," said Peter Schönenberger, general manager of Mövenpick Hotel Mansour Eddahbi & Palais des Congrès Marrakech.

The hotel and spa reopened in October 2016 after three years of renovation by Parisian architecture and design firm MHNA Studio. It is linked to the Palais des Congrès Marrakech, which is also managed by Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts. - TradeArabia News Service

Source: Ô de Rose Spa at Mövenpick Marrakech voted Africa's best

Mauritius Overtakes Botswana, South Africa To Become The Top Investment Destination In Africa!!

Despite a larger economy and a much bigger population, South Africa's political uncertainty and failure to draw cost-sensitive investors have given way for the rise of Mauritius as the top investment destination in Africa.

Speaking to CNBC Africa, Bravura's executive director, Soria Hay, said Mauritius is fast-gaining the reputation among investors as being the true 'gateway to Africa' – a title once reserved almost exclusively for South Africa.

"Economic analysts and the world see Mauritius as the number one attractive investment jurisdiction in Africa," Hay said.

In 2006, Botswana was ranked as the most attractive destination for investors, with South Africa ranked number two – now in 2017, Mauritius has the top spot, and South Africa has dropped even further to number four. This is behind Mauritius, Botswana and Rwanda, Hay said.

From a size and impact perspective, the South African economy is much bigger, Hay said, but what Mauritius is doing right is that there is policy certainty from a tax perspective, and the government is benign – not getting too involved in businesses.

"Also they have a lot of policies to attract investment," Hay said, pointing to a number of 'tax holidays' for companies that invest there, and programs to develop smart cities and tech hubs. This, she said, has served the country well over the last ten years or so.

Meanwhile, South Africa has done almost the exact opposite, with years of political uncertainty and questionable policy direction, and the government has used regulation and red tape to make business operations in the country very difficult.

Mauritius' growth rate is well in excess of 4%, while South Africa is struggling to reach even 1%.

Source: Mauritius Overtakes Botswana, South Africa To Become The Top Investment Destination In Africa!!

Ethiopia: Opening Up as Rich Tourist Destination

While Ethiopia, the oldest country in Africa and the country that has never been colonised, shied away for years from exposing the invaluable and priceless legacies that dotted its landscape, economic reality and democracy have aroused the country into opening its history and sites to the curious world. Chinedu Eze who visited the most populous country in the horn of Africa, writes

Ethiopia with so many legacies is like a village belle; shy, coquettish and beautiful. She is like a damsel unravaged and with all its tradition intact. Ethiopia is heirloom, a pride to Africa and with unraveling history that is labyrinthine and fulfilling.The country which is known as Abyssinia in the Biblical times is the cradle of civilisation because that was where the oldest human fossil was found and it houses the first mosque and church built in Africa.

In 2016, Ethiopia's population was 101, 853, 268 with a yearly 2. 48 per cent increase, thus making it the second most populous country in Africa after Nigeria.While travelling through the undulating landscape of this great country, history beckons at every turn and it is exhilarating for such a humble people who have so much to show the world in treasured, invaluable historical sites that are part of the story of Christianity and Islam.As part of the group made up of travel agents and journalists, we scoured through the monuments, reliefs and sites of Ethiopia that are very critical to Islam near the Djibouti, South Sudan and Somalia border.

We travelled to Mekele and visited the Al Nejashi Mosque, which is one of the world's earliest mosques, built in the seventh century by the companions of Prophet Mohammed, who exiled from Arabia from the Qurayshi pagans to Ethiopia where they found a welcoming refuge. The Nejashi Mosque is as old as the faith of Islam. It is the first mosque in Africa and is considered by many as one of the most sacred places of Islamic worship and rightly dubbed by some as "The second Makkah".

We also visited Dire Dawa and Harar cities. At Dire Dawa we visited the railway that was built in 1902 and which since then operates uninterrupted diurnal service to Djibouti. We had full day city tour of Harar Jugol, the Fortified Historic Islamic town located at an altitude of 1,800 metres.Harar is a labyrinth of small streets surrounded by old city walls. Its architecture reflects a strong Islamic influence. We walked through the old city and visited the house where Rimbaud lived. According to our guide, Mr. Nur Harar was the poet's favourite city and he established quarters there in order to trade in arms destined for Emperor Menelik.

There are about 99 mosques in the old walled city of Harar of which most date back to as early as the 13th century. Until relatively recently it was venerated by Muslims as a centre of pilgrimage, the most holy city in the Horn of Africa, with large numbers of mosques and Koranic schools. We also visited the traditional old typical houses of Harar and the major sites in the town include the city walls and gateways, the Friday Mosque, the Museum, the Ras Makonnen House, the supposed house of Rimbaud Muslim and Christian Markets. For the icing on the cake, we visited the hyena man, the man who feeds the wild hyenas every evening at Harar.

One of the Nigerian visitors on the tour and the Manager of Misha Travels Limited, Kaduna, Mrs. Juliana Johnson, who was overwhelmed by the rich legacy of Islamic historical sites in Ethiopia described the country as a land of origin and said, "The farm trip was wonders of nature revealed. Ethiopia is a land full of historical records and beauty preserved for our modern day. The environment, the people and the land mass tell of the beauty of creation. The Ethiopians are loyal citizens to their government and very peace loving. They communicate in songs, and nature, trees, houses, status are all symbolic for past, present and future use.

"My experience of the farm trip reveals the Ethiopians to be dogged and determined Africans who pursue what they want and follow it assiduously – airlines, songs, opal ancient holy places, medicine, fibre and languages are preserved. Indeed, the continent of Africa is endowed with so much unexposed treasures in genuine assets and human capital. We will market Ethiopia for fresh tourists, as nature revealed the truth in this country."Also the CEO of Aeronaet Travels and Resort Limited, Mr. Ojo Lawrence, noted that the trip has exposed him "to some unique and outstanding facilities of world standard."

"Besides, the tour of Ethiopian heritage sites coupled with the wondrous mountainous topological landscaping has been an onerous personal experience and is of course worthy of marketing to the entire world. Indeed, the continent of Africa is endowed with numerous hidden treasures in real assets and human capital resources and many thanks to Ethiopian Airlines for the magnanimity of showcasing the true Spirit of African in deed and in love."

Ethiopia as cradle of civilisationEthiopia has been described by various reports as the oldest independent country in Africa and one of the oldest in the world. It offered a greater richness in archaeological findings and historical buildings which makes it a country of rich heritage. It is regarded as the cradle of both mankind and civilisation. It is one of the largest Christian nations in the world that welcomed and accommodated Islam, thus showcasing it as the land of religious tolerance.

Ethiopia is a country of highly diverse population with more than 80 different ethnic groups living together in peace and harmony while maintaining their language, culture and history. Thus, it is regarded as the land of diversity and unity. Moreover, it is an ecologically diverse country with three climatic zones: the cool, the temperate and the hot zones, and it is rich in both flora and fauna, including being known as the origin of coffee.

The Nejash MosqueThe Nejashi Mosque is one of the world's earliest mosques, built in the fourth century by the companions of Prophet Mohammed, who – exiled from Arabia by the Qurayshi pagans so they came to Ethiopia, where they found a welcome refuge, when the country was ruled by a Christian king.

Located in the town of Wukro in northern Ethiopia's Tigray State some 800 kilometres from Addis Ababa, the Islamic monument is now undergoing major renovations thanks to the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA).

The site also hosts the tombs of the 15 companions of Prophet Muhamamd, who introduced Islam to Ethiopia. The first mosque was built at the time of King Nagash about 1429 years ago. The first believers of Islam that came to Ethiopia from Saudi Arabia were 11 men and five women, including Mohammed's daughter and later there was a second batch of 83 men and 18 women who arrived Ethiopia and lived for 15 years. The first mosque was credited to them.

Ethiopia's King Nejashi (for whom the mosque was named) was described as a benevolent king, who should be credited with saving the Prophet's companions from persecution when they arrived in his land. The history of Nejashi – and the ancient mosque of Nejashi – means a great deal to Ethiopia and the world.

HararHarar was established by Arab scientists. The curator of the renowned Harar library, Abdul Nasir, described Harar as the Timbuktu of the East. The city is described as a walled city in eastern Ethiopia. It was formerly the capital of Hararghe and now the capital of the modern Harari Region of Ethiopia. The city is located on a hilltop in the eastern extension of the Ethiopian Highlands, about five hundred kilometres from Addis Ababa at an elevation of 1,885 metres.

For centuries, Harar has been a major commercial centre, linked by trade routes with the rest of Ethiopia, the entire Horn of Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, and, through its ports, the outside world. Harar Jugol, the old walled city, was listed as a World Heritage Site in 2006 by UNESCO in recognition of its cultural heritage. It is sometimes known in Arabic as "the City of Saints". According to UNESCO, it is "considered 'the fourth holy city' of Islam" with 110 mosques, three of which date from the 10th century accommodating 102 shrines.

According to reports, the Fath Madinat Harar records that the cleric Abadir Umar ar-Rida and several other religious leaders settled in Harar circa 1216 (612 hijri years). Harar was later made the new capital of the Adal Sultanate in 1520 by the Sultan Abu Bakr ibn Muhammad. The city saw a political decline during the ensuing Emirate of Harar, only regaining some significance in the Khedivate of Egypt period. During the Ethiopian Empire, the city decayed while maintaining a certain cultural prestige. Today, it is the seat of the Harari Region.

Over the years, Ethiopian Christian heritage has been exposed to the world, like the rock hewn churches of Lalibela, the Kingdom of Aksum, Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahendo Church, the Coptic Orthodox Church that span hundreds of years, including the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus. But the world may not know that Ethiopia also has the rich Islamic history, which genesis dovetailed with the roots, the spread of Islam in Africa and in the world.

Source: Ethiopia: Opening Up as Rich Tourist Destination

Top 5 African Safari Destinations For An Unforgetable Getaway

There is no doubt that Africa is endowed with infinite tourist destinations. As such, it won't be difficult to find destinations to visit in the continent. This is same for those who want to go on a safari.

Tourists get to experience and observe the sights and sounds of animals in their untapped and natural habitat. Truly, there is nothing more thrilling like an African safari. So, if you plan on going on an African safari, here are the 5 best destinations you should include in your itinerary as identified by Jumia Travel, the leading online travel agency.

Masai Mara National Park in Kenya

The Masai Mara National Park in Kenya is unarguably one of the most popular destinations in Africa to experience wildlife. It is located in the extreme southwest of the country on the border with Tanzania. It covers over 1,500 square kilometers. You can see the Big Five including Lion, Elephant, Rhinoceros, Buffalo, and Leopard. In addition to this, you can interact and engage with the rich Masai Mara culture after hiking at the park.

Serengeti National Park in Tanzania

The closeness of the Serengeti National Park to the Massai Mara means both are competing for the attention of tourists. This said, for the Serengeti National park, the open environment makes it easier for tourists to watch wild animals in action. Interestingly, the Serengeti is much larger than the Maasai Mara, and as such it often feels less crowded.

Kruger National Park in South Africa

This is the best option for tourists who are going on an African safari for the first time. This is because visitors can select from a wide variety of hotels that suits their lifestyle. It is situated in the northeast of the country on the Mozambique border. Kruger National Park is the most popular of South Africa's many game reserves. You can see the Big Five and the park is home to endangered animals like Cheetahs and wild dogs.

Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe

The Hwange National Park covers 14,650 square kilometres of land and it is located in the west of the country. It is possibly the least crowded of Southern Africa's major safari destinations. The park has a large elephant and Buffalo population.

Yankari Games Reserve in Nigeria

Yankari Game Reserve is Nigeria's richest wildlife hub. It holds the largest surviving elephant population in Nigeria. In addition, Yankari Game Reserve also supports important populations of Lion, Buffalo, Hippo, Roan, and Hartebeest. The reserve covers a total area of 2,244 km. It is located in Bauchi State, North Eastern, Nigeria.

Source: Top 5 African Safari Destinations For An Unforgetable Getaway

Lifestyle: Top 5 Ghanaian destinations for wedding anniversary getaways

Entertainment of Thursday, 24 August 2017

Source: Bennet Otoo, Jumia Travel

2017-08-24

File Photo

Marriage is a beautiful thing, the beginning of a new life, an adventure and one of life's most amazing journeys. The anxiety and excitement which accompanies the entire marriage process is an experience worth having. Fast forward a year on or let's even say 5 years and over.

Things are not the same. The spark may have reduced and the excitement may have gone down. If you are lucky, you may still have a little spark remaining but as is normal with most marriages, you need to rekindle things a bit.

There is however one date that stands out on your calendar which presents a great opportunity to spice things up or revamp that marriage or relationship. For morality's sake, we may want to stick with wedding anniversaries but just so everyone goes home happy, you can consider the following destinations as well for your relationship anniversaries if you are not yet married. Just maybe, a ring may appear on that trip.

Sadly, the men are usually tasked with the difficult part of planning just to make their partners have memorable anniversaries. These days, the tables have turned a little with many modern women now investing time and money into that ''perfect getaway''. Meanwhile, the women have the most difficult of tasks in all of this. IMAGINATION "Gosh, I'm already seeing myself in Disneyland. I can visit beautiful and popular tourist centers, hotel with incredible facilities, hospitable services, mouth watery meals, a dip in a crystal pool while the golden sun is reflecting on it. I just can't wait to massage my feet on that sandy ground while taking a stroll by the beach side. And oh! Just before she wakes from that dream, a perfect room with all the luxury you can ever imagine" Wow! Her imagination is wild and you the man have no option than to keep up with it. You need to make it possible. Jumia Travel, Africa's leading online travel website enumerates top 5 destinations in Ghana for anniversary getaways.

< p>AKOSOMBO - Popular for it's role in providing Ghana with hydro electric power through the Akosombo dam, this town in Ghana is one amazing getaway destination for couples celebrating an anniversary. You will not find extraordinary tourist destinations to visit here but the resorts and hotels in and around Akosombo will leave you jaw dropped. Have you heard about the Royal Senchi and Volta Hotel? These are not far from the town. A few minutes drive down the road too will take you to Ada where you will find Aqua Safari.

These are some of the best facilities there are in that area. What makes the trip here one to consider is the fact that apart from the great planning and architecture, these resorts and hotels have amazing recreational activities that you will enjoy. The golfing, spa treatments, boat and canoe cruises, swimming pools are just great for that love story to get a new spark. The mood is always set with customized room designs, some wine or champagne or special eff ects tailored to meet your specifications.

TAMALE - Maybe the last place you will consider spending your wedding anniversary by the mere mention of it. Before you totally condemn it and remove from your options, let me remind you of how far away from all the chaos you will be. Have you heard about the Salaga slave market, The Larabanga Mosque, The National Cultural Centre and the Mole National Park? How about the almighty Zaina Lodge? Not to even talk about the Mole Motel and Grand Sophia Hotel. There is a lot to see and do in Tamale. Maybe the stress from work or the pressure in Accra or your host city is taking a toll on your marriage. The anniversary comes at just the perfect time to elope and enjoy the natural vegetation and wildlife up north. Wildlife, Safari and rich northern culture through music and dance maybe just what you need.

CAPE-COAST - Popular for being Ghana's central tourism hub, this great city is rich in culture and tradition. You struggle to talk about tourism in Ghana without mentioning Cape Coast. Though the city may not have many fancy hotels, the tourist sites here make it an attractive destination to consider when planning that anniversary getaway.

The kakum National Park, The Kotokuraba Market, The Cape Coast and Elmina castles as well as the several beaches on the shores will just give you the platform to light up that marriage.

Seeing and experiencing new things while relaxing and recreating happy memories is just perfect for you. The Coconut Grove hotels, Capital Hill Hotel, Hotel Loreto and Birdrock Hotel at Anomabo among many others will provide you with the best accommodation while you enjoy great services and wonderful facilities.

KUMASI - The Garden City! Home of rich Ashanti Culture and history. The mighty Kumasi brings a whole different dimension when you consider a getaway for your anniversary. You may know the popular h otels such as Golden Tulip Hotel (Kumasi), Hotel De- Semanhyia and Asantewaa Premier Hotel. For any budget, there is a hotel in Kumasi for you. As for tourist sites, we can name a dozen and still not have space for many others. Highlights in Kumasi include the Manhyia Palace, The Rattway Park, The Kejetia Market and the Kumasi Cultural Centre.

Maybe what you need to spark you up is some fufu and goat soup. Of course you cannot visit Kumasi without enjoying fufu. Recently, the Kumasi City Mall has added an extra spice to the city. For lovers of fast food, shopping and movies, this is the place to go. Although there are no beaches in kumasi, there are amazing pools at some of the well equipped hotels that you can relax at and have a good swim. Nightlife in Kumasi is also one of the best there is around the country. Nightclubs and pubs are always full of life. You should try Kumasi; The city that never disappoints.

ACCRA - Is it a case of saving the best for last or just a natural assumption that Accra being the nation's capital is the base of operation for most people. However, we choose to look at it, Accra is just an amazing place to spend that wedding anniversary. You don't have to go too far away if you live in Accra but if you live outside Accra, then this is a great getaway destination.

Most of the exquisite hotels are here and there are some nice tourist sites that will make your trip worth every penny. In the centre of the city are hotels like the Labadi Beach hotel, La Palm Royal Hotel, Alisa hotel, Movenpick, Kempinski, Accra City, Holiday Inn, African Regent, Airport View, Golden Tulip and many more.

There are great guesthouses as well that will suit couples who are not looking to spend a lot of money. Great tourist sites here include the kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum, The Arts centre, Independence Arc and Square, The Legon Botanical gardens, the Osu castle, The National Theatre and the W.B Dubois Centre. Nightlife in Accra is se cond to none. You have all you need in Osu, East Legon and Airport while banks, shopping malls and other facilities are here in excess.

It's time to add some spice to that marriage by having a mind-blowing anniversary celebration. Recreate the spark in the marriage and get your partner smiling again. Happy Anniversary to you and don't forget to share some pictures for others to see how beautiful Ghana actually is.

''Awari Sor!''

Source: Lifestyle: Top 5 Ghanaian destinations for wedding anniversary getaways

MAPPED: SA ranks 8th in world's 10 most popular gap year destinations

The 2017 top gap year destinations reported by ABTA members specialising in gap years are: 

The study shows amongst the most popular trips for gappers are volunteering trips - with gap year students regarding their trips not simply as a way to boost their CVs but as a way of making a real difference and a positive contribution to the places they visit.

Example trips include beach conservation in South America, forest conservation in Madagascar and medical internships in South Africa.

SEE: Travel and Make Money: A Gap Year Teaching Abroad

According to the survey, "partying" is the least important factor for people when booking a gap year, with students apparently planning for the future and seeing gap years as a way to boost their CV in a competitive job market.

Activity tours including trekking, white water rafting and biking, plus cultural tours to historic and fascinating cities are all proving popular this year.

WATCH: WATCH: Young adventurer finds creative way to let his mom know that he is just fine 

ABTA says many gappers prefer the security and company offered by travelling as part of an organised group and they find it a great way to share experiences with like-minded people and make new friends.

"For many young people, a gap year will be the first time that they have spent a significant time away from home and it should provide positive experiences and memories of a lifetime," says Nikki White, ABTA's director of destinations and sustainability.

"However, foreign travel can present a range of challenges, particularly in less affluent countries where many gappers will be travelling.

"It is incredibly important that gap year students do their research and plan thoroughly so that they can travel in safety and get the most out of their experiences.

"Gap year students often pay out large sums of money to specialist companies and it is really important that they book with a reputable company to avoid disappointment and ensure that their money is well spent. "

Here are some top tips for gappers:

Check with your travel company and with the Foreign Office for 'dos and don'ts' and 'no go' areas for the country you're visiting. They will also tell you about visa requirements and how to get relevant visas, which is especially important if you're going to be working.

Choose a reputable gap year travel company with a good track record that is a member of a trade association, so you have a point of contact and support should anything go wrong.

Get a good quality travel insurance policy and make sure it covers the activities you want to take part in as well as the length of time you will be away. The cheapest policies will not necessarily provide you with the level of cover needed for a lengthy stay overseas, or for extreme sports.

Research local customs and culture before you go to understand more about the host destination and avoid unwittingly causing offence.

Make sure you've had all the necessary jabs and inoculations; do this at least eight weeks before you travel.

If you're going to a country where malaria is prevalent always take anti-malarial medication and always finish the course.

If you're volunteering, think carefully about the kind of activity you'll be doing, especially if the volunteering is with children. It is recommended you use an operator that matches you with suitable projects. Check that they do background checks when volunteers are working with children or vulnerable adults and that they will provide you with necessary support when you are abroad.

Working, volunteering or learning a skill overseas will be enriching as well as challenging. It will most certainly be good for your personal and professional development.

If you're travelling to a non-English speaking country take some basic language lessons before you go and take a phrase book and pocket dictionary in the local language, you'll find it much easier to fit in when you first arrive. If you're going to rely on a mobile device for translation, check the costs involved.

Tell your bank where and when you'll be travelling to reduce the risk of them stopping your card.

Keep electronic copies of all your important travel documents and leave a copy with someone at home.

Keep a list of emergency contact numbers in a safe and accessible place.

(source: African Business Travel Association)

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Source: MAPPED: SA ranks 8th in world's 10 most popular gap year destinations

Never a dull moment: Why we love Africa and its dictators

You must just love Africa. I would never give up being an African for anything else in the world. Look what happened a few days. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) held its summit in Pretoria, South Africa's political capital.The summit bid farewell to two retiring regional leaders.

First, veteran Angolan big man José Eduardo dos Santos. Dos Santos, the third longest-ruling African leader after Paul Biya of Cameroon, and dictator Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea, has "been in things" (to use a good old Ugandan expression) for 38 years.Angola heads to the polls today, and Dos Santos will step down, though he will still be at the helm of the ruling People's Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA).They also waved goodbye to Botswana's Ian Khama, who leaves office in April 2018, after his constitutional two terms.

However, also in attendance was our man, Uncle Bob of Zimbabwe. Robert Mugabe has been in power for 37 years, and is officially in campaign mode seeking re-election next year.Soon turning 94, time has taken its toll on Uncle Bob's long revolutionary life. He is sickly, and recent videos show him barely able to walk or even wipe his own nose. At this rate, by the time of the Zimbabwe election in July or August 2018, he will probably need help to cast his vote.But he won't give up just yet. Dos Santos turns 74 on August 28, 20 years younger than Mugabe.

Uganda is also headed in the same direction, as the lifting of the 75-year age limit to allow President Yoweri Museveni bid for office in 2021 looms larger.Usually, when presidencies-for-life are discussed, there is a lot of focus on the hunger for power of the Mugabes, Nguemas, Biyas and Musevenis of this world. They are usually the problem.We never ask what it says about the countries where these men rule. Can it only be that their subjects are too afraid to oppose them, or that they are ruthless in suppressing Opposition? Are their politicians venal, so easy to buy off? Do the peculiarities of the type of colonial rule they endured explain anything?What do Zimbabwe, Angola, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Uganda, Congo, and so on, have in common? It's hard to see.

They are spread all over Africa, some are landlocked, and some are coastal.Can these countries, after the Big Men leave, ever be democratic for long periods, or there is something in their soil and air that inevitably breeds despotism?It is surprising how relatively little study of "these other things" there is. Part of it is understandable. If research suggested that all sorts of natural conditions make democracy impossible in Uganda, for example, then it would mean the country is doomed. It also negates the great possibilities of agency, i.e. that we Ugandans cannot bring about a truly free society however much we tried.The possibilities of ending up with these "pre-destination" and dead-end kinds of conclusions thus make scholars reluctant to explore the subject.But since this column is not the Ten Commandments, we shall be naughty and poke a stick in the snake's hole.

There are many tell tale signs that an African country might struggle with democracy, but the one that I find coincides (it might not necessarily explain) with authoritarianism of some variety nearly 90 per cent of the time is glorious history.When an African nation has a glorious history, and its fair share of heroic emperors, kings, queens, and generals who fought foreign invaders, or had built great courts and had a tradition of learning, you need to be on a democracy alert. There you have your Uganda, Ethiopia, Egypt, Angola, Cameroon, Zimbabwe, the Congos, Sudan, Swaziland, and others.Those days, of course, when these great kings reigned, there were no formal notions of the limitations of a ruler's power.

If a ruler didn't die in his sleep, in battle, or was killed in a plot, he or she just ruled on and on.But if you look at the island states (Mauritius, Cape Verde), and the smaller countries that were territories that weren't led by larger than life figures (Botswana, Malawi), they have had a better chance of building liberal democracies.That still leaves us with Ghana, and even Senegal.

How come with the rich history of their rulers, they have fidgeted with modern democracy a little more successfully? It seems the answer is in finding a "right balance" as the Ghanaians have with the asantehenes, and the Nigerians with their chieftaincies.Likewise, beware of a country that has great monuments (the pyramids in Egypt and Sudan, the Zimbabwe stone carvings), or colourful traditional costumes and rich foods (Egypt). A certain hankering for a glorious past creates fertile ground for a modern day despot to fill the void. More later.

Mr Onyango-Obbo is the publisher of Africa data visualiser Africapedia.com and explainer site Roguechiefs.com. Twitter@cobbo3

Source: Never a dull moment: Why we love Africa and its dictators

Spain attacks: Is Europe still a safe travel destination?

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(CNN) - The threat of terrorism has become a grim fact of life for parts of Europe.

Thursday's attacks on downtown Barcelona and a nearby Mediterranean beach resort were latest fatal assaults in recent months against sites favored by international tourists: from an Istanbul night club on New Year's Eve, to a packed London restaurant district or a Berlin Christmas market.

The van that plowed into Barcelona's packed Las Ramblas avenue left victims from at least 34 nations among the 13 dead and 120 injured.

Behind the shock and outrage at such attacks, however, experts and statistics point to Europe still being a safe destination.

"Our hearts go out to the victims, their friends and family, but ... my message is that Europe is safe," Gloria Guevara Manzo, president and CEO of the World Travel and Tourism Council, told CNN Travel.

"You have millions of people who have a great experience in this beautiful part of the world. They should continue with their plans and continue traveling to Europe."

Guevara Manzo points to UN statistics that show international tourist arrivals in the 28 European Union nations rose to 500 million in 2016. That year, 142 people were killed in terrorist attacks, according to the European police agency Europol.

Tourism boom

Despite the statistics, fear of being caught up in such atrocities is an increasing factor in travelers' choice of vacation destination.

Internationally, terrorism risks influence the choice of 93% of people searching for a holiday destination, according to a survey published in March by Britain's University of Bournemouth and the media company Travelzoo. It was based on interviews with travelers in nine major-tourism generating countries, including the United States, China and Germany.

Spain has been experiencing a tourism boom, thanks in part to visitors scared away from countries in North Africa and the Middle East with a perceived higher threat from terrorism.

This week's attack was Spain's first terror attack with large scale fatalities since the March 2004 bombings of commuter trains in Madrid that killed 191.

Shares in airlines, hotel groups and other travel companies fell Friday on news of the Barcelona killings, but the European travel sector has proven resilient over the past few years with tourist numbers increasing across the continent despite the spike in terrorist attacks since 2015.

Paris saw visitor numbers drop 8% over 2016, after suffering bombing and shooting attacks that left 147 dead the previous year. Yet figures for 2017 show a recovery -- the number of visitors to the French capital was up 14% in the 12 months up to April according to the latest official figures from city hall.

Official advice from governments urges care when visiting Europe.

General alert

The US State Department issued a general alert for travelers in Europe back in May, after attacks in Sweden, Russia, France and Britain. It cautions Americans to "always be alert to the possibility that terrorist sympathizers or self-radicalized extremists may conduct attacks with little or no warning."

Britain's Foreign Office tells travelers that attempted terrorist attacks are "very likely" in a number of European countries, including Belgium, France and Germany, although the British government acknowledges that the threat of attack at home is "severe."

By many counts however, Europe remains one of the world's safest places.

Chances of tourists falling victim to disease, weather events, natural disasters, or violent crime are generally much lower than most other parts of the world.

Spain's homicide rate is 0.66 per 100,000 people, Germany's 0.85, France's 1.58. In comparison, the United States comes in at 4.87, Brazil at 26.74 and South Africa at 34.26.

Terror threat 'real but exceedingly low'

"You are only slightly more likely to be a victim of terrorism in Europe than you are to be the victim of a lightning strike," says Robert Muggah, a specialist in security and development, at Brazil's Igarapé Institute, a think tank.

"This is not to minimize the threat. It's real and it's present, but it's still exceedingly low in Europe," he said in a telephone interview. "You are much more likely to be a victim of a homicide or a car accident, or some other event."

Many think of terrorism in Europe as a new phenomenon that swept in with the rise of Islamist groups such as al Qaeda and ISIS. In fact, the rate of fatal attacks was much higher in the 1970s and 1980s, when political extremists on the right and left, separatist forces such as the Irish Republican Army and ETA in the Basque Country, and Middle East-linked groups wrought havoc.

Even with the surge in attacks over the past three years, the number of deaths are much lower than then.

Still, the manner in which jihadist terrorists have targeted citizens out to enjoy their time off -- at a pop concert in Manchester, national day celebrations on the French Riviera waterfront in Nice, or strolling on a summer's evening in Barcelona -- has added to the fear factor.

Yet staying home, changing vacation plans or altering lifestyles may be playing into the terrorists' hands, while doing little to raise levels of personal safety.

"The terrorists are out to go after anybody and anyone. The goal is to lay siege and to create a siege mentality in cities, to effectively shut cities down," says Muggah.

"It is very important that we don't react disproportionately to these events no matter how horrendous they are." he adds. "We need to build the kind of resilience ... we can't be complacent, nor can we be paralyzed or debilitated by fear."

Source: Spain attacks: Is Europe still a safe travel destination?

South Africa holiday with a side of Victoria Falls

South Africa holiday with a side of Victoria Falls Posted on 21 August, 2017 by Tongabezi  in Destinations, South Africa, Travel & Lifestyle, Victoria Falls, Zambia — No Comments

Posted: August 21, 2017

South Africa is a favourite destination for all sorts of travellers. However, adding the Victoria Falls onto your South African itinerary is easier than you think and will complete your almost perfect trip.

What's all the fuss about South Africa?

Starting with the obvious, South Africa is known for some of the best game reserves and most prestigious luxury safari lodges where visitors can easily tick off the Big 5 during a stay. Beyond the lions and rhinos, Cape Town was named the "best city in the world" for the fourth consecutive year by the Telegraph.

The winelands, dynamic food scene, gorgeous beaches, classy rail travel, quaint towns and rich history add to the country's allure.

We know you want more: Add Victoria Falls

You could end the trip right there or add one extra, easy addition to your adventure route and take the vacation vibes to Zambia.

With seamless and direct flights on well-known airlines, you can easily pair Victoria Falls with your South African holiday and find yourself at Tongabezi, crushing over the largest cascade of falling water, before you've even put your passport away.

Photo credit: The Blonde Abroad

Here's how to instantly connect South Africa and Victoria Falls:

Travel pairings we love: Cape Town and Victoria Falls

Cape Town and Victoria Falls is the combo you'll love more than your favourite pair of travel jeans. In just three short hours, you can fly directly from Cape Town International Airport to Livingstone Airport with Kenya Airways. Flights depart from Cape Town every Sunday, Wednesday and Friday at 14:25 and arrive in Livingstone at 17:15.

After your collection and short road transfer, you'll arrive just in time for sundowners around the lodge's new fire bowl. The return flight departs Livingstone at 10:25 and lands in Cape Town at 13:35, in time for a late lunch and milkshake at one of the Mother City's famous burger joints.

Use Tongabezi's interactive travel map to find you r way plus see recommended stays like the award-winning Steenberg Hotel.

Travel pairings we love: Johannesburg and Victoria Falls

You won't need a long soak in the tub after this easy flight, but we'll have one waiting for you nonetheless! Every day, South African Airways and British Airways fly directly from Johannesburg Airport to Livingstone Airport in under two hours. A Tongabezi staff member will pick you up at the airport and transport you to the lodge, a convenient 30-minute drive.

No fuss and no early bird flight necessary – there is plenty of time left in the day to explore, relax and drink fine wine in the tree tops reminiscing about the 'Jozi' experience you just had.

Toggle the map to find this route, recommended stays and more.

Travel pairings we love: Kruger and Victoria Falls

The most popular couple at the Tongabezi prom is the Kruger and Victoria Falls itinerary. Everyone wants to be like them, joined by the African travel heart strings. It's easy to understand why this combo is a traveller favourite. Airlink operates flights from Nelspruit (Kruger) to Livingstone Airport in just two hours – direct and daily.

Using their Lodge Link service from Nelspruit, guests can hop on a small plane direct to the bush airstrip nearest their lodge in the greater Kruger National Park before continuing their journey onwards to the Victoria Falls.

Using the map, click or tap on a pin to find a Kruger lodge that suits your safari style.

With seamless and direct flight options, not only is it easy to add Victoria Falls to your South African holiday, but it's rewarding to personally piece it together and make the most of your time in Africa.

Find your way to Tongabezi and other popular destinations using our interactive map as a trusted guide.

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About Tongabezi

Tongabezi is a romantic hideaway on the banks of the Zambezi River, upstream of the majestic Victoria Falls.

Source: South Africa holiday with a side of Victoria Falls

Is Europe still a safe travel destination?

The threat of terrorism has become a grim fact of life for parts of Europe.

Thursday's attacks on downtown Barcelona and a nearby Mediterranean beach resort were latest fatal assaults in recent months against sites favored by international tourists: from an Istanbul night club on New Year's Eve, to a packed London restaurant district or a Berlin Christmas market.

The van that plowed into Barcelona's packed Las Ramblas avenue left victims from at least 34 nations among the 13 dead and 120 injured.

Behind the shock and outrage at such attacks, however, experts and statistics point to Europe still being a safe destination.

"Our hearts go out to the victims, their friends and family, but ... my message is that Europe is safe," Gloria Guevara Manzo, president and CEO of the World Travel and Tourism Council, told CNN Travel.

"You have millions of people who have a great experience in this beautiful part of the world. They should continue with their plans and continue traveling to Europe."

Guevara Manzo points to UN statistics that show international tourist arrivals in the 28 European Union nations rose to 500 million in 2016. That year, 142 people were killed in terrorist attacks, according to the European police agency Europol.

Tourism boom

Despite the statistics, fear of being caught up in such atrocities is an increasing factor in travelers' choice of vacation destination.

Internationally, terrorism risks influence the choice of 93% of people searching for a holiday destination, according to a survey published in March by Britain's University of Bournemouth and the media company Travelzoo. It was based on interviews with travelers in nine major-tourism generating countries, including the United States, China and Germany.

Spain has been experiencing a tourism boom, thanks in part to visitors scared away from countries in North Africa and the Middle East with a perceived higher threat from terrorism.

This week's attack was Spain's first terror attack with large scale fatalities since the March 2004 bombings of commuter trains in Madrid that killed 191.

Shares in airlines, hotel groups and other travel companies fell Friday on news of the Barcelona killings, but the European travel sector has proven resilient over the past few years with tourist numbers increasing across the continent despite the spike in terrorist attacks since 2015.

Paris saw visitor numbers drop 8% over 2016, after suffering bombing and shooting attacks that left 147 dead the previous year. Yet figures for 2017 show a recovery -- the number of visitors to the French capital was up 14% in the 12 months up to April according to the latest official figures from city hall.

Official advice from governments urges care when visiting Europe.

General alert

The US State Department issued a general alert for travelers in Europe back in May, after attacks in Sweden, Russia, France and Britain. It cautions Americans to "always be alert to the possibility that terrorist sympathizers or self-radicalized extremists may conduct attacks with little or no warning."

Britain's Foreign Office tells travelers that attempted terrorist attacks are "very likely" in a number of European countries, including Belgium, France and Germany, although the British government acknowledges that the threat of attack at home is "severe."

By many counts however, Europe remains one of the world's safest places.

Chances of tourists falling victim to disease, weather events, natural disasters, or violent crime are generally much lower than most other parts of the world.

Spain's homicide rate is 0.66 per 100,000 people, Germany's 0.85, France's 1.58. In comparison, the United States comes in at 4.87, Brazil at 26.74 and South Africa at 34.26.

Terror threat 'real but exceedingly low'

"You are only slightly more likely to be a victim of terrorism in Europe than you are to be the victim of a lightning strike," says Robert Muggah, a specialist in security and development, at Brazil's Igarapé Institute, a think tank.

"This is not to minimize the threat. It's real and it's present, but it's still exceedingly low in Europe," he said in a telephone interview. "You are much more likely to be a victim of a homicide or a car accident, or some other event."

Many think of terrorism in Europe as a new phenomenon that swept in with the rise of Islamist groups such as al Qaeda and ISIS. In fact, the rate of fatal attacks was much higher in the 1970s and 1980s, when political extremists on the right and left, separatist forces such as the Irish Republican Army and ETA in the Basque Country, and Middle East-linked groups wrought havoc.

Even with the surge in attacks over the past three years, the number of deaths are much lower than then.

Still, the manner in which jihadist terrorists have targeted citizens out to enjoy their time off -- at a pop concert in Manchester, national day celebrations on the French Riviera waterfront in Nice, or strolling on a summer's evening in Barcelona -- has added to the fear factor.

Yet staying home, changing vacation plans or altering lifestyles may be playing into the terrorists' hands, while doing little to raise levels of personal safety.

"The terrorists are out to go after anybody and anyone. The goal is to lay siege and to create a siege mentality in cities, to effectively shut cities down," says Muggah.

"It is very important that we don't react disproportionately to these events no matter how horrendous they are." he adds. "We need to build the kind of resilience ... we can't be complacent, nor can we be paralyzed or debilitated by fear."

Source: Is Europe still a safe travel destination?

Spain attacks: Is Europe still a safe travel destination?

Heather Heyer's mom won't talk to Trump Related Content

(CNN) - The threat of terrorism has become a grim fact of life for parts of Europe.

Thursday's attacks on downtown Barcelona and a nearby Mediterranean beach resort were latest fatal assaults in recent months against sites favored by international tourists: from an Istanbul night club on New Year's Eve, to a packed London restaurant district or a Berlin Christmas market.

The van that plowed into Barcelona's packed Las Ramblas avenue left victims from at least 34 nations among the 13 dead and 120 injured.

Behind the shock and outrage at such attacks, however, experts and statistics point to Europe still being a safe destination.

"Our hearts go out to the victims, their friends and family, but ... my message is that Europe is safe," Gloria Guevara Manzo, president and CEO of the World Travel and Tourism Council, told CNN Travel.

"You have millions of people who have a great experience in this beautiful part of the world. They should continue with their plans and continue traveling to Europe."

Guevara Manzo points to UN statistics that show international tourist arrivals in the 28 European Union nations rose to 500 million in 2016. That year, 142 people were killed in terrorist attacks, according to the European police agency Europol.

Tourism boom

Despite the statistics, fear of being caught up in such atrocities is an increasing factor in travelers' choice of vacation destination.

Internationally, terrorism risks influence the choice of 93% of people searching for a holiday destination, according to a survey published in March by Britain's University of Bournemouth and the media company Travelzoo. It was based on interviews with travelers in nine major-tourism generating countries, including the United States, China and Germany.

Spain has been experiencing a tourism boom, thanks in part to visitors scared away from countries in North Africa and the Middle East with a perceived higher threat from terrorism.

This week's attack was Spain's first terror attack with large scale fatalities since the March 2004 bombings of commuter trains in Madrid that killed 191.

Shares in airlines, hotel groups and other travel companies fell Friday on news of the Barcelona killings, but the European travel sector has proven resilient over the past few years with tourist numbers increasing across the continent despite the spike in terrorist attacks since 2015.

Paris saw visitor numbers drop 8% over 2016, after suffering bombing and shooting attacks that left 147 dead the previous year. Yet figures for 2017 show a recovery -- the number of visitors to the French capital was up 14% in the 12 months up to April according to the latest official figures from city hall.

Official advice from governments urges care when visiting Europe.

General alert

The US State Department issued a general alert for travelers in Europe back in May, after attacks in Sweden, Russia, France and Britain. It cautions Americans to "always be alert to the possibility that terrorist sympathizers or self-radicalized extremists may conduct attacks with little or no warning."

Britain's Foreign Office tells travelers that attempted terrorist attacks are "very likely" in a number of European countries, including Belgium, France and Germany, although the British government acknowledges that the threat of attack at home is "severe."

By many counts however, Europe remains one of the world's safest places.

Chances of tourists falling victim to disease, weather events, natural disasters, or violent crime are generally much lower than most other parts of the world.

Spain's homicide rate is 0.66 per 100,000 people, Germany's 0.85, France's 1.58. In comparison, the United States comes in at 4.87, Brazil at 26.74 and South Africa at 34.26.

Terror threat 'real but exceedingly low'

"You are only slightly more likely to be a victim of terrorism in Europe than you are to be the victim of a lightning strike," says Robert Muggah, a specialist in security and development, at Brazil's Igarapé Institute, a think tank.

"This is not to minimize the threat. It's real and it's present, but it's still exceedingly low in Europe," he said in a telephone interview. "You are much more likely to be a victim of a homicide or a car accident, or some other event."

Many think of terrorism in Europe as a new phenomenon that swept in with the rise of Islamist groups such as al Qaeda and ISIS. In fact, the rate of fatal attacks was much higher in the 1970s and 1980s, when political extremists on the right and left, separatist forces such as the Irish Republican Army and ETA in the Basque Country, and Middle East-linked groups wrought havoc.

Even with the surge in attacks over the past three years, the number of deaths are much lower than then.

Still, the manner in which jihadist terrorists have targeted citizens out to enjoy their time off -- at a pop concert in Manchester, national day celebrations on the French Riviera waterfront in Nice, or strolling on a summer's evening in Barcelona -- has added to the fear factor.

Yet staying home, changing vacation plans or altering lifestyles may be playing into the terrorists' hands, while doing little to raise levels of personal safety.

"The terrorists are out to go after anybody and anyone. The goal is to lay siege and to create a siege mentality in cities, to effectively shut cities down," says Muggah.

"It is very important that we don't react disproportionately to these events no matter how horrendous they are." he adds. "We need to build the kind of resilience ... we can't be complacent, nor can we be paralyzed or debilitated by fear."

Source: Spain attacks: Is Europe still a safe travel destination?

Global brands confirm Kenya as investment destination

From MARIA MACHARIA in Nairobi, KenyaNAIROBI, (CAJ News) – GLOBAL fashion retail giants LC Waikiki and Woolworths have announced plans to open stores in Kenya, a development that enhances Kenya's attractiveness as an investment destination for retailers. The facilities will be opened at the Hub Karen Mall, cementing the Nairobi mall's stature to attract leading international brands."We are proud to host two more international brands as we continue attracting the world's leading brands to the mall, said," Philippe Cauviere, the Chief Executive Officer at Azalea Holdings, the developers of the mall.The two brands join other international brands that have set up shop at the mall since its opening in February last year.Azalea Holdings said the mall has been deliberate in the selection of its tenants to ensure a diverse and rich mix of local and international brands."At The Hub Karen, our focus is to offer customers diverse and unique options to meet their tastes and expectations. We want to guarantee our shoppers an international experience right here at home, "added Cauviere.LC Waikiki announced that it was investing US$1 million to open the 11 000 Sqft shop that will employ more than 30 employees."The stable economy in Ke nya has supported our investments as a gateway to growing our footprint in the country and the larger African market," said LC Waikiki's Country Manager, Kremena Pencheva.Shopper numbers have continued to grow at The Hub Karen with the foot count clocking over 4,2 million customers since its opening. – CAJ News

Short URL: http://cajnewsafrica.com/?p=21884

Source: Global brands confirm Kenya as investment destination

Working together for Africa

DR KINGSLEY MAKHUBELA 

'Africa Rising" is frequently discussed at most business, investment and global economic forums and refers to the continent's wealth of potential, resources including human capital, and the large emerging consumer markets which make Africa an increasingly attractive and competitive destination.

Africa has historically stood on the periphery of global politics, investment and development issues.

However, over the past decade the continent has been on an upward trend prioritising critical development issues and socio-economic growth relationships with other regions and continents.

Addressing this marginalisation, and with a view to enabling Africa to claim its place among the global community of nations, is the Southern African Development Community's (SADC) Summit - a platform that aspires towards greater regional integration.

The SADC Summit provides an opportunity for key regional business, investment, trade, development and governance players to meet, discuss and workshop ideas to tackle the unique African challenges. The Summit also provides an opportunity to tap into the rich potential of Africa's young human capital which will yield great benefits for all who invest in the continent's development.

With the 37th Ordinary SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government currently under way in Pretoria until August 20, under the theme "Partnering with the Private Sector in Developing Industry and Regional Value Chains", South Africa as the host country is utilising the environment to further deepen co-operation with member states, the continent and the world in order to take full advantage of trade, investment and development opportunities provided for the African continent and our people.

Driven by regional integration that represents not only a united SADC region, but also a unified Africa, the SADC's political leadership seeks to strengthen mutually beneficial relationships with the international community, with the view to rationalising these partnerships to enhance the benefits of Africa's transformation and integration efforts with the world.

This will be determined by increased trade and investment between African states, such as the Tripartite Free Trade Area (TFTA) that aims to connect the SADC, the East African Community (EAC), and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (Comesa), to frame a free trade area that spans 26 countries from the Cape to Cairo.

This form of regional integration enables countries to overcome the obstacles represented by their relatively small domestic markets, by enabling producers to realise greater economies of scale and benefit from the establishment of regional infrastructures. Globalisation and the advances in the information technology sector have provided unprecedented opportunities for countries and regions with the right policies to make significant advances and lift huge sections of populations out of poverty, improve incomes and catalyse economic and social transformations.

The regional approach also allows countries to assert their interests from a stronger and more confident position in the international arena, and requires us to invest in regional value chains to transition from commodity-dependent to value-addition, knowledge-intensive and industrialised economies.

Contextually, Africa is inspiring change through inclusive political and socio-economic reforms compelled by the shared values of ownership, leadership and partnerships, based on the AU vision of "an integrated, forward-looking, prosperous, dynamic and peaceful Africa, representing a dynamic force in global arena." Making substantial advancements in governance policies has led to sound macro-economic performance despite the adverse impact of the current global financial and economic crises.

Notwithstanding the impact of the global financial and economic crisis on Africa, the continent has been growing at unprecedented rates, re-affirming its commitment to global and balanced partnerships with the international community as the continent's vision lends credence to its potential for growth and development.

South Africa is taking over from Swaziland as the chair of the SADC from this month to August 2018, and will pursue to position the region's potential to serve as a fundamental contributor to Africa's economic recovery and stability by becoming a beacon of growth, investment and development. We will continue to work together to ensure economic growth, development and investment in respective member states and within our region.

The unprecedented high-level political will and involvement by African Heads of State and Governments, and the rest of the world in creating conditions for sustainable development, progress for new growth and investment prospects and implementing Africa's socio-economic development programmes sets the tone for ensuring favourable global trade and investment relations.

Our natural resource-rich continent, steady population growth rates, the rise of the black middle class, as well as improved governance and business settings in many African countries, are giving rise to Africa's growing recognition as an evolving market that is shaping up to be an ideal investment destination.

Within the present-day global context, Africa is faced with a plethora of factors that present great development and investment opportunities and South Africa is confident that the spirit of partnership within SADC will permeate the corridors of the 2017 SADC Summit as we work together to find solutions towards the strengthening sustainable development in the region, for Africa and the world-at-large.

Source: Working together for Africa

Lagos slumps as travel to Africa displays double-digit growth

During the coming five months, August – December 2017, there will be 16% fewer airline seats on domestic routes and 9% fewer and on international routes to and from Lagos

Lagos Nigeria, August 15, 2017/ — An analysis of seat capacity for travel to the top ten international airports in Africa, produced by ForwardKeys, reveals that Lagos is seeing substantial declines in both domestic and international capacity, mainly because Arik Air is cutting 53% of its seats for the rest of 2017. During the coming five months, August – December 2017, there will be 16% fewer airline seats on domestic routes and 9% fewer and on international routes to and from Lagos.

Commenting on this data, Jon Howell, Managing Director of AviaDev, Africa's leading airline route development conference, said: "One of the major reasons for falling arrivals by air to Nigeria, is the fact that many airlines could not repatriate funds after the currency crisis in 2016. As a result, Iberia and United Airlines have ceased operations to Nigeria, whilst Emirates and the other foreign carriers have scaled back services. The Nigerian airlines have suffered too and so this void has been filled by the ever-opportunistic Ethiopian Airlines, who began serving their fifth Nigerian destination, Kaduna on 1st August 2017 and are now the largest carrier in the Nigerian market."

Most of the other airports in Africa's top ten are seeing a healthy growth in capacity, which is more international than it is domestic. However, the most notable exception to this trend is Nairobi, which is seeing a 22% boost in domestic capacity.

Access 'Scheduled capacity to Top 10 airports in Africa, August to December 2017' infographic here (http://APO.af/iM3q8p).

These findings are part of a wider report on travel to Africa, produced by ForwardKeys, which predicts future travel patterns by analysing 17 million booking transactions a day. It shows double digit growth in flight arrivals for the first half of this year and little indication that the pace of growth will slow down soon. The wider report will make encouraging reading for airlines, governments and hoteliers planning to discuss possible new aviation routes at AviaDev in Kigali in October. (AviaDev is organised by Bench Global Business Events.)

The report reveals that in the first seven months of the year, 1st Jan – 31st July 2017, total international flight arrivals grew by 14.0% over the same period in 2016. Most significantly, growth was stronger for travel to and from the continent than within the continent. Arrivals from Europe, which make up 46% of the market, were up 13.2%. From the Americas, arrivals were up 17.6%; from the Middle East, they were up 14.0% and from Asia Pacific, they were up 18.4%. By comparison, intra-African air travel, which makes up 26% of the market, was up 12.6%.

Accesss 'International arrivals in Africa by origin regions, January to July 2017' infographic here (http://APO.af/5ucgPw).

Looking at Africa's top ten destination countries, there have been stand-out performances from Tunisia and Egypt, which are recovering from notorious terrorist attacks two years ago, up 33.5% and 24.8% respectively. In addition, Morocco and Tunisia received a huge boost in arrivals from China, up 450% and 250% respectively, after they relaxed visa restrictions. The one disappointment is Nigeria, which has seen a 0.8% drop, in the wake of recession in 2016, caused by a collapse in the oil price to a 13-year low.

Access 'International arrivals in Africa, Top 10 destination countries, January to July 2017' infographic here (http://APO.af/AxXyA3).

Looking forward to the end of the calendar year, bookings for flights to Africa are currently 16.8% ahead of where they were on July 31st, 2016. Bookings from Europe are currently 17.5% ahead, from the Americas 26.6% ahead, from Asia Pacific 11.5% ahead, from the Middle East 8.2% ahead and bookings for intra-African air travel are 11.0% ahead.

Access 'International arrivals in Africa on the book by origin regions, August to December 2017' infographic here (http://APO.af/uatCi2).

A specific look at East Africa shows very similar trends in year to date performance and outlook to the end of the year. However, it has stronger forward bookings from Europe, 22.9% ahead and less strong forward bookings from elsewhere; the Americas are 15.5% ahead and intra-African air travel 7.6% ahead. However, bookings from the Middle East and Asia Pacific are 6.0% and 3.8% behind respectively.

Access 'International arrivals in EAC on the book by origin regions, August to December 2017' infographic here (http://APO.af/mTRWds).

On an individual airport level, the most significant capacity increase in East Africa is at Kigali, with new routes to Brussels, London and Mumbai. Other notable new capacity includes Kilimanjaro to Dubai and Nairobi to Muscat and to Yemen.

Access 'Scheduled capacity to EAC main airports, August to December 2017' infographic here (http://APO.af/mVZpPs).

Olivier Jager, CEO, ForwardKeys, said: "The growth in air travel to Africa is impressive. However, it is notable that consumer demand and airline investment is greater in travel to African countries from outside the continent than it is between African countries."

Jon Howell, Aviation and Tourism Development Manager, Bench Events (www.BenchEvents.com), who is responsible for AviaDev, concluded: "As an international executive who has travelled around Africa for many years, I am longing for the day when it is easier to fly directly between African cities, as is possible on other continents. I am sure I'm not alone in that desire and I'm equally sure, it will happen eventually. That's why I'm determined that the discussions that will take place at AviaDev will help bring that vision closer."

Related

Source: Lagos slumps as travel to Africa displays double-digit growth

Spanish Holiday Beaches Becoming Destination Point For North African Migrants (Video)

Clip of Spanish Beachgoers Watching as an African Migrant Boat Lands in Cadiz, Spain

Spanish Holiday Beaches Becoming Destination Point For North African Migrants (Video) Amazing moment boat carrying dozens of African migrants arrives on Spanish beach in front of shocked tourists and scatter before police arrive

Clip shows a inflatable boat coming ashore in Cadiz, on southern Spanish coast

Group managed to escape from the beach before police arrived at the scene

It is believed migrants crossed the Strait of Gibraltar from Northern Africa

Were you on the beach? Email sara.malm@mailonline.co.uk  

By Alex Matthews and Sara Malm for MailOnline

A boat carrying dozens of African migrants landed on a Spanish beach in front of shocked holiday-makers.

Footage shows the migrants leaping out of a black inflatable dinghy and dashing across the sand on beaches at Cadiz in southern Spain, after crossing the Strait of Gibraltar.

The group managed to leave from the beach before the authorities arrived some time after.

One onlooker asks in an astonished voice, 'What's going on?'

Carlos Sanz, who shot the video while on vacation in Cadiz, said the group quickly vanished and police only arrived some time later.

Spanish officials couldn't immediately be reached after office hours.

The incident comes as the International Organization for Migration warned on Thursday that Spain could overtake Greece this year in the number of migrants arriving by sea, using boats and even jet-skis.

According to the IOM's latest figures, until August 6, close to 8,200 migrants had arrived in Spain so far this year.

That is more than triple the number who reached Spain at the same time last year, according to Joel Millman, a senior IOM spokesman, and already more than the total arrivals in 2016.

New arrivals: A video filmed by a witness show the dinghy pulling into shallow water at Cadiz

Embarking: Some two dozen people, reportedly African migrants, jump off the boat and run onto the beach in front of surprised sunbathers and tourists

While the figure pales in comparison with arrivals in Italy – where more than 96,400 have landed so far this year – Spain is catching up with Greece where 11,713 have arrived by sea in the same timeframe.

'It's possible that Spain will outperform Greece this year,' Millman told AFP.

'If so, that's a big change.'

He said many people taking the long route towards Italy via the Sahara and Libya were from west Africa.

But with the dangers faced, some may be deciding to go up along the coast instead.

'We assume that some of the change is due to the fact that the route is considered a safe route up to the coast through Morocco,' Millman said.

He added that the boats crossing the short but choppy sea to Spain were much smaller than those launching from Libya to Italy.

In Libya there 'appears to be a very deliberate strategy to put people out there, in overloaded boats that begin to take on water almost immediately and then it's a race to see how quickly the people on the boat can summon aid,' he said.

'Whereas in Spain, the strategy is smaller craft hoping to come in undetected, and undoubtedly some do.'

Unexpected: The incident took place on Wednesday afternoon, with the migrants reportedly leaving the beach before Spanish authorities arrived

The boat came ashore in Cadiz, however it is not known from where the group had travelled

Disembarkations by migrants on Spanish beaches are not common but have happened before, especially at Spain's north African enclave cities Melilla and Ceuta, which border Morocco.

Ceuta and Melilla have the EU's only land borders with Africa, and as a result, they are entry points for people desperate to get to Europe.

Migrants regularly try to climb the high double border fences, swim along the coast or hide in vehicles crossing the frontier.

In recent days, migrants have repeatedly stormed the border with Ceuta by either attempting to cut through the wire fencing or running through the border post.

Once on Spanish soil in Ceuta, they are taken to migrant reception centres where they can apply for asylum.

But many are desperate to get to mainland Spain, believing that the process in Ceuta is slow or fearing that they will be returned to neighbouring Morocco, and try to hide in lorries boarding ferries.

On Tuesday, Spanish police found 30 Moroccan and Algerian migrants, ten of them minors, hidden in fairground vehicles in the enclave city.

The group had hidden in bumper cars and the ghost train loaded on lorries which were due to leave Ceuta for mainland Spain a after an annual festival.

Agents used heartbeat detectors and dogs to locate the migrants while the vehicles waited to board ferries to the mainland, the Guardia Civil police force said.

'They try to use attractions that are only half covered up to jump in and hide inside,' a spokesman said.

Spanish police push back 700 migrants as they attempt to storm a 20-foot border fence in Ceuta

Hundreds of migrants have attempted to storm the border between Spain's North African Ceuta territory and Morocco.

The Interior Ministry's office in the small enclave said the migrants tried to scale the 20-foot high barbed-wire fences around Ceuta after a crossing attempt at the Tarajal post failed.

All of the migrants – about 700 – were repelled by the Moroccan and Spanish authorities.

Spain and Morocco agreed yesterday to close the Tarajal post to freight traffic for a week because of recent migrant crossing attempts.

More than 180 migrants also stormed the border on Monday. Over 700 were repelled today

Footage showed migrants from Africa sprinting over the border from the Moroccan side while it was still dark on Monday

Pedestrian and passenger vehicles were still allowed.

Every year, thousands of sub-Saharan African migrants living illegally in Morocco try to scale the border fences surrounding Ceuta and Melilla, Spain's other North African enclave, in a bid to enter Europe.

On January 1 more than 1,000 migrants from sub-Saharan Africa tried to scale the fence at Ceuta during a violent assault in which one officer lost an eye.

At about 5am on Monday, 186 migrants stormed the border and reached European Union soil.

Once there, they celebrated, raising their hands in joy as they ran through the streets – with one man kneeling on the floor.

The migrants were eventually rounded up and taken to a reception centre, where they can apply for asylum in Spain.

Pictured: Spain's North African enclave of Ceuta. Hundreds of migrants attempted to storm the border today

___http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4777084/Boat-carrying-African-migrants-arrives-Spanish-beach.html

Source: Spanish Holiday Beaches Becoming Destination Point For North African Migrants (Video)

Survey ranks City of Angels as world's best-value long-haul destination

LEAD-IN: Foreign tourists take pictures as they visit the Grand Palace in Bangkok in this June 2, 2013 file photo. Thailand's economy expanded for the first time in three quarters in July-September but at a slower pace than expected, suggesting the central bank will keep rates low to support growth in the face of still-weak domestic demand. The government said on November 18, 2013 that third-quarter growth was driven by strong gains in tourism.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha was pleased with an international tourism survey that ranked Bangkok as the world's best-value long-haul city break in 2017.

He was impressed after being briefed that visitors can spend the longest holidays with the cheapest budget in Thailand's capital.

The survey conducted by Post Office Travel Money was published on the websites of British newspapers, including the Daily Mirror and the Daily Telegraph, on Aug 5. It reported visitors to Bangkok can spend the lowest budget on qualified services for accommodation, food, transport and tourist attractions compared with cities in other countries. The average total expenses for three days in Bangkok were about £317 (13,700 baht), the survey said.

Bangkok was also lauded as a vibrant city with attractive activities and culture as well as various sightseeing sites, particularly temples and palaces.

Gen Prayut said the survey was in accordance with the government's policy to encourage foreigners to extend their stay and spend more money in the country in order to boost the economy.

To enhance Thailand's tourism, several measures to promote tourism have also been devised, including exemption of visa fees, extension of stays for long-stay foreigners, providing convenience for foreign visitors and crackdowns on tourism scams such as zero-dollar tours. The prime minister also focused on issues relating to tourism and insisted problems must be solved.

For example, he ordered authorities to urgently find a solution after many tourists were forced to endure long waits at immigration checkpoints due to insufficient officers recently.

The problem was later solved and received compliments from the public, Gen Prayut said.

The survey analysed the cost of 11 items: a cup of coffee (regular filter) at a cafe/bar; bottle of beer/lager (330ml local brand) at a cafe/bar; Coca-Cola/Pepsi (330ml bottle/can) at a cafe/bar; glass of wine (175ml house) at a cafe/bar; three-course evening meal for two with a bottle of house wine; return bus or train transfer from airport to city centre; sightseeing on a city bus/boat tour; top tourist heritage attraction; top museum; top art gallery; and three nights' four-star accommodation (weekend) for two adults.

Besides Bangkok, other cities ranked among the world's best-value long-haul city breaks were Tokyo, Japan (£331); Beijing, China (£337); Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (£361); Cape Town, South Africa; Singapore; Washington DC, the US; Toronto, Canada; New York and Boston, both in the US, with costs of £711 and £823 respectively.

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Source: Survey ranks City of Angels as world's best-value long-haul destination

Focus: Destination Australia

In an effort to highlight places of interest in countries across the world, their varied culture, economy and history, The Statesman brings to you a Weekly Focus on countries with which India shares diplomatic ties and friendship. This week's focus is on Australia.

Know all about the country.

Capital: Canberra, Currency: Australian dollar, Language: English 76.8 per cent, Mandarin 1.6, Italian 1.4, Arabic 1.3, Greek 1.2, Cantonese 1.2, Vietnamese 1.1, others 10.4 and unspecified 5. (2011 est.), Religion: Protestant 30.1 per cent , Catholic 25.3, other Christian 2.9, Orthodox 2.8, Buddhist 2.5, Muslim 2.2, Hindu 1.3, other 1.3, none 22.3.

CLIMATE

Australia is in the southern hemisphere and the seasons are opposite to those in Europe and North America. There are two climatic zones: the tropical zone (in the north above the Tropic of Capricorn) and the temperate zone. The tropical zone (consisting of 40 per cent of Australia) has two seasons ~ summer and winter ~ while the temperate zone has all four seasons. Spring to summer (October to March) is hot everywhere, tropical in the north, and warm to hot with mild nights in the south.

Autumn to winter (April to September) in northern and central Australia have clear warm days and cool nights, the south has cool days with occasional rain but still plenty of sun. Snow is totally confined to mountainous regions of the southeast.

VISA ON ARRIVAL

For tourist visa, applicants have to submit notarised copy of all pages of current passport, certified copies of birth showing the names of both parents, one photograph, application forms. If visiting relatives, a letter of invitation from a relative in Australia, itinerary giving travel details, accommodation and activities within Australia, copies of bank statements (personal and business) over a period of time showing a consistent savings history, copies of documents which show any other funds or assets held and IT returns of last three years are needed. Visitor visas can allow for single or multiple entry and permit a stay of three, six or 12 months in Australia on each occasion. A three-month stay with a multiple entry facility valid fot one year meets the requirements of most visitors to Australia.

Trade

Australia's trade in goods and services with India was $9.72 billion in 2014-15 with Indian exports of goods amounting to $2.726 billion. Australia's exports of goods to India were $6.994 billion. Australia is placed at 33rd position in India's export destinations and 18th among import sources.

India's main exports to Australia are passenger motor vehicles and machinery, pearls, gems and jewellery and refined petroleum while our major imports are vegetables, wool, non-monetary gold, coal, copper and fertilizers. Civil Nuclear Co-Operation Agreement between the two countries was signed in 2014. An Australia-India Strategic Research Fund (AISRF) has been set up for research in agriculture, science and technology.

Bush tucker and barbecues

Seafood is an integral part of the cuisine. 'Bush tucker' from Australia's endemic flora and fauna can be delicious; kangaroo meat in particular is growing in popularity. For all the advent of fine dining, however, the humble barbecue remains a quintessential Australian food experience. Steak, prawns and beer tend to feature prominently. Some of the specialities are Sydney rock oysters, moreton bay bugs, kangaroo and meat pie. Apples, mangoes and pumpkins are grown in large quantities. Australian wines have earned international acclaim like craft beer and sparkling wine. Wines in regions like the Barossa Valley in South Australia and Margaret river in Western Australia are world class.

Indian immigrants thrive

There is a rapidly growing Indian community of nearly 4.5 lakh Indians in Australia, which is contributing significantly to the Australian economy as teachers, doctors, accountants, engineers and IT engineers. India is now the third largest source of immigrants to Australia and the second largest source of skilled professionals.

In addition, there are a sizeable number of people of Indian origin from countries such as Fiji, Malaysia, Kenya and South Africa. (Feb 2016)

Flying Down Under

Direct flights to the Land Down Under with Air India from Delhi takes around 12 hours. Airlines like Jet Airways, Cathay Pacific, Thai Airways, Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Malaysia Airlines and Qatar Airways operate frequent flights to various cities in Australia from cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore. For major Australian cities, layover airports are at Bangkok, Singapore and Hong Kong.

Join the celebrations

Probably the most significant national secular celebration is Anzac Day on 25 April. This is a public holiday that commemorates the Australia and New Zealand Army Corps landing at Gallipoli in Turkey in 1915. However, the event now encompasses participants in all wars in which Australia has been involved. Australia Day is celebrated on 26 January to commemorate British settlement and many capital cities host a fireworks event. Labour Day is a public holiday. A significant celebration occurs on Melbourne Cup Day, an annual horse-racing event in Melbourne. Some states have wine festivals.

WIDE OPEN SPACES

Sydney Opera House

Shaped like huge shells or billowing sails, this breathtaking building on Sydney's Bennelong Point graces the list of Unesco World Heritage Sites and is one of the world's great architectural icons. Water surrounds the structure on three sides and the Royal Botanic Gardens border it to the south.

It encompasses theatres, studios, a concert hall, exhibition rooms and a cinema.

Great Barrier Reef

Visible from outer space, the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef is one of the largest living structures on the planet. One of the seven wonders of the natural world, the park stretches for 2,300 km along the state of Queensland. Diving and snorkeling are spectacular.

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

Deep in the heart of the Australia's Red Centre, Uluru (formerly Ayers Rock) is one of the most photographed natural wonders in the country. The striking red monolith forms the centrepiece of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.

Melbourne (Australia's second largest city)

Highlights of the city include the Royal Botanic Gardens, the National Gallery of Victoria and the Melbourne Cricket Ground. To the east, greater Melbourne extends into the beautiful Dandenong Ranges and in the south to the Mornington Peninsula where many locals escape for seaside getaways. Other tourist destinations are Sydney Harbour Bridge, Blue Mountains National Park (Unesco World Heritage Site), Bondi beach, Daintree National Park (among the most ancient ecosystems on earth), Fraser Island (largest sand island in the world and one of Australia's most unique four-wheel-drive adventures), Kakadu National Park (largest national park in Australia and the second largest in the world.

Source: Focus: Destination Australia