In July 2014, the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), in a press release titled “Rwanda gears up for surge in tourism demand” announced an $860-million tourism income target by 2017. Even though the jury is still out regarding this then ambitious target, Rwanda’s tourism industry is clearly more boisterous today. It …
Read More »New Nairobi-Mombasa train service to take 4 hours
ATC News by Wolfgang H. Thome Kenya will become the first country in Africa to receive brand new long- distance passenger trains in February this year. The five passenger locomotives are part of the 56 locomotives expected in the country prior to the launch of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) …
Read More »Uganda appoints Queen of Katwe’s Mutesi, Katende tourism ambassadors
The Ministry of Tourism has appointed national chess champion Phiona Mutesi and her coach Robert Katende as ambassadors of Uganda’s tourism across the world. Unveiling the two at the ministry head quarters at Rwenzori House Kampala, State Minister for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities Godfrey Kiwanda Ssuubi says the two helped …
Read More »Mombasa to get dedicated cruise ship terminal
ATC News by Wolfgang H. Thome Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Tourism Mr. Najib Balala has officially launched the construction of a dedicated cruise ship terminal at the Port of Mombasa. The estimated cost of 350 million Kenya Shillings, equivalent to about 35 million US Dollars, will be funded in part …
Read More »African migrants fear for Gambia as tourists stay relaxed
Banjul, Gambia | AFP | The cocktails keep flowing by the pool on the tourist strip, but in The Gambia’s markets many African migrant traders are packing up their businesses and heading home. The international community is piling pressure on President Yahya Jammeh to leave power after 22 years and …
Read More »RWANDA: Musanze’s Red Rocks
Where tourists learn firsthand about Rwanda When tourists come to Rwanda, they want to experience something different. That is why we have come up with different programs to ensure visitors who come to us go back with something they are going to remember for a long time, writes Joseph Ondiek …
Read More »PICTORIAL: EU Ambassador Kristian Schmidt scales Rwenzori Mountain
PICTORIAL: The European Union Ambassador to Uganda Kristian Schmidt gave Ugandan tourism a big boost by scaling the country’s highest mountain, the Rwenzori. Together with several colleagues, they on Thursday reached the summit of Magherita (5109meters), the highest point in Uganda. The European Union team that spent 8 days …
Read More »Australia strikes deal on ‘backpacker tax’
Sydney, Australia | AFP | Foreigners in Australia on working holidays face paying a 15 percent levy on every dollar they earn after the government Monday compromised on a controversial “backpacker tax”, dumping plans for a higher rate. Canberra had initially sought a revenue-raising 32.5 percent tax for seasonal workers …
Read More »Tourists fly in for African Birding Expo in Entebbe
The world’s bird watching community has descended on Entebbe Botanical Gardens as Uganda hosts the annual African Birding Expo. Tourism, business clinics, birding challenges, conferences and exhibition awards will be some of the highlights Friday to Sunday. Several items for the birdwatching community will be available. These will include, scopes, binoculars, guide books, …
Read More »Trump triumph deals body blow to US brand
New York, United States | AFP | With his stunning election triumph, Donald Trump has emblazoned his name in golden letters on the brand of the United States. The superpower of soft power that produces much of the world’s most-loved music, movies and technology on Tuesday chose a president who …
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