Author: overtheborders

The Pilanesberg region of the North West Province has long been one of South Africa's most visited tourist destinations. World famous game reserves and luxury resorts and lodges on the other side. But the region is also home to an incredibly rich cultural heritage, hitherto largely unknown. Kgosi Nyalala Pilane, chief of the Bagatla tribe, explained: “More than 100 years ago, my ancestors settled our people, the Bakgatla ba Kgafera people, on this land. And the stories we have to share are interesting. We have already Here we have established the state-of-the-art Mfebaso Museum, which forms part of our Heritage…

25 hotels nationwide The agreement for more than 10 new properties brings Hilton's pipeline in Egypt to 25 properties, with more than 40 properties expected to be in operation across the country in the coming years.The agreement includes Curio Collection by… Includes Hilton and Tapestry Collection by Hilton, first Hilton lifestyle brand to enter Egypt, and all-inclusive resort The long-awaited Hilton Cairo Nile Maadi is set to open in early 2025 Hilton's Pipeline is expected to create more than 5,000 job opportunities nationwide Hilton (NYSE: HLT) expands its presence in Egypt with plans to open 25 hotels across Egypt, including…

Africa and the Middle East are poised for a dynamic 2025, with a combination of beautiful destinations, more affordable luxury experiences, and unparalleled cultural encounters that will attract more travelers. Tony Romer-Lee, AMEA, co-founder and managing partner of Valor Hospitality, shares his predictions for the forces that will shape the region's hospitality industry in 2025 and beyond. Africa outperforms the competition in terms of average daily revenue (ADR) Africa is rapidly becoming a premier leisure destination, outpacing other destinations in terms of ADR (average daily price) levels. With many of Europe's travel hotspots (Venice, Amsterdam, Barcelona) suffering from overtourism, Europeans…

Ethiopian Airlines, Africa's largest airline group, has partnered with the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to create a new national carrier, Air Congo. Under the agreement, the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo will own 51% of the company, while Ethiopian Airlines will own 49% and be responsible for its operations. The project aims to strengthen air connectivity within the Democratic Republic of the Congo and across Africa. Ethiopian Airlines CEO Mesfin Taseu called the partnership an important milestone in the airline's strategy to strengthen air transport in Africa. “The launch of Air Congo is an…

In 2025, the allure of the African continent is more compelling than ever, and at the forefront of this awe-inspiring realm lie the treasures of East and Southern Africa. Far and wide, each region offers a distinctive journey. As you traverse between lodges, reserves, and countries, a tapestry of new African perspectives unfolds with every step you take. In East Africa, stunning scenery surrounds you and iconic safari destinations boast a wealth of sightings, from the revered Great Migration of wildebeests and zebras in Kenya and Tanzania to mountain gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda. Walk alongside the Maasai or the…

As the hospitality industry enters another busy holiday season, it's important to reflect on the journey that got us here and focus on the people on whom our success this season depends: our internal teams and our suppliers. Creating a great guest experience during this time is not possible without prioritizing teamwork and collaboration. Our internal and external teams are responsible for enabling us to capitalize on opportunities, mitigate challenges, manage unforeseen circumstances and maintain our reputation. The lessons learned from previous seasons will lead us to be stronger, wiser, and prepared for the challenges ahead. By building on what…

– The two-time Emmy Award-winning actor will congratulate the next state-of-the-art ship in the NCL fleet at an official christening ceremony in Miami on April 13, 2025 – – Scheduled to debut in April 2025, Norwegian Aqua will offer guests even more fun with first-to-sea experiences, including the world’s first hybrid waterslide and roller coaster and the first clay sauna. And the brand's first restaurant specializing in Thai cuisine – Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), the global cruise travel innovator, is pleased to announce that two-time Emmy Award-winning actor Eric Stonestreet will be joining NCL's newest breakthrough ship, Norwegian, which will…

Many countries will soon require an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), but this new requirement will not affect South African passport holders visiting the UK. Lynette Machili, Customer Experience Lead at Flight Center South Africa, helps navigate these changes that have sparked a huge debate in the travel world. Who does it affect? “It is important to understand that South African passport holders are not affected by the new ETA system,” explains Machili. “The ETA is specifically designed for nationals of visa-exempt countries. South Africans must follow the existing visa application process for travel to the UK.” However, understanding the new…

Boasting the highest number of Blue Flag beaches in the state, all of which are open for swimming, the KZN South Coast is gearing up for a successful summer holiday season this year. Welcoming the many visitors to the coast during the annual mayoral road closures were Ley Nkonyeni Municipality (RNM) Mayor Zodwa Mjinduru who handed out souvenir bags at Oribi Toll Plaza on Friday. It was Dr. Vusumuzi Sibiya, CEO of South Coast Tourism Investment Enterprise (SCTIE). December 13th. Law enforcement agencies were also on hand to ensure safe travel for all vacationers. Gagasi FM brought the atmosphere with…

TTS – Travel Technology and Solutions is pleased to announce the full integration of Travelport’s New Distribution Capability (NDC) into TTS Corporate in the first semester of 2025. This significant upgrade will give corporate travel agents access to a wider range of booking content, allowing them to offer tailored solutions and greater value to their customers through more competitive pricing. Travelport's NDC integration provides significant benefits for TTS Corporate users, including: Access to richer content: Corporate travel agents now have access to a wider range of options, allowing them to offer tailored solutions to their customers. Better Pricing: Access to…