Author: overtheborders

To celebrate 35 years as a leader in professional risk solutions for the travel and tourism industry, Satib Insurance Brokers (SATIB) has announced the transition. Starting May 1, 2025, longtime Group Expo member and SATIB board member Kevin Watson will step into the role of managing director. Cillie continues to be involved with Satib in her advisory capabilities, pursuing new opportunities. This transition occurs when African tourism is facing an increasingly complex risk landscape. New digital threats such as extreme weather events, changing regulatory requirements, operational liability, and cybercrime affecting online bookings are changing the way businesses approach risk management.…

As part of an effort to promote international parliamentary cooperation, Sen. Yunus Akintunde, who represents the OYO Central Senate District, participated in the Korea Foundation Invitation Program for Prominent Guests of the Congress held in Korea from April 20-26, 2025. Organized by the South Korean Foundation, a public diplomatic organisation under the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the event hosted selected lawmakers from around the world, including Ivan Alberto Flores Garcia (Chile), Ahmed Ezat Manna (Egypt), Edin Dalek (Serbia) and Martin Ivan Ivan Yeza (Argentina). Senator Akintunde was the only Nigerian invited. Akintunde, chairman of the Nigerian Senate Environment…

Icelandair will stop widebody operations when it abolishes the Boeing 767-300ers in 2029, and instead will fly a completely narrow fleet. Carrier had been considering a replacement for the 767 as part of his fleet's overhaul effort, but said on April 30 it would not replace the aging type with another twin-adal aircraft. “This decision is in line with Iceland Air's core strategy and key competitive advantage: its ability to operate narrow, economies, east and west than its competitors through Iceland, and to streamline its cost base,” the airline said. Iceland Air began taking the leased Airbus A321LRS last year…

Emirates has announced a new codeshare agreement with Air Seychelles. This partnership allows for seamless travel with one ticket from Dubai to Prasrin via Mahe, with tailored baggage handling and competitive fares. The move will strengthen the Seychelles' position as an important Indian Ocean destination for visitors from Europe, the Middle East and elsewhere. The new agreement complements Emirates' 14 weekly flights between Dubai and Mahe, supporting travel from major source markets, including the UK, Germany, Italy and France. The partnership highlights efforts to increase tourism flow between the Gulf and the Indian Ocean regions, placing the Seychelles as an…

Sandile Nene The World Eye is firmly focused on South Africa as the president of the G20 and host of the G20 summit in November. This rally will see the country welcome more than 40 global heads of state on our coasts. The G20 accounts for 85% of the world economy, 75% of international trade, and roughly two-thirds of the world's population. The summit will be held under the theme of “solidarity, equality and sustainability.” This is in line with the vision of comprehensive growth where all individuals and countries benefit from economic progress. As the first African nation to…

Spring has arrived fully in the UK and the promise of warm weather is certainly on the horizon. But for those who can't wait to be in the summer sun, there's a perfect early summer vacation that won't break the bank. Pax, on the Greek island, is an ideal destination, just a two-and-a-half hour ferry ride from Corfu, and is free from tourists. This means you can enjoy the calm scenery of the island and the serenity that comes with it.It's a journey far from tax, as Corfu is only 3 hours and 15 minutes away from the UK. There…

Johannesburg – First there was panic. Then it was a document. And now? peace of mind. After the short-lived announcement of a 0.5% VAT increase kick-in on May 1, South African businesses can finally achieve “deletion” with dozens of emergency emails entitled “VAT impact on travel budgets.” But while the VAT hike may not have gone further, it achieved something unexpected. It forced businesses to suspend business travel programs and acquire inventory. And that's what Herman Heuns, general manager of corporate travelers, says it's worth the conversation. “The announcement of the VAT may have been short-lived, but when it comes…

Wego, a travel app for the Middle East and North Africa, will partner with ACCOR to strengthen its digital presence and connect with local travelers. The purpose of this partnership is to expand Accor's reach in high potential markets such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and other GCC countries, and benefits from Wego's deep understanding of local consumer behavior and the ability to localize at scale. “Wego's co-founder and chief hotel officer” said Craig Hewett. “This collaboration with Accor has not come at a better time. As the region witnesses a surge in travel, our mission is…

Named the second best zoo in the UK by Tripadvisor (Image: Male Diane Bourne)TripAdvisor just lifted the top 10 best-rate zoos and aquarium veils since last week, with Chester Zoo taking the throne. However, the runner-up raised some eyebrows. Hidden in the corner of positive feedback on TripAdvisor was a little-known treasure. It took second place in the 2025 British Zoo tier in the world of Who Zoo and Dinosaurs in Shropshire.Titans like Blackpool Zoo, Yorkshire Wildlife Park and West Midlands Safari Park have been featured on top tierists. Even as a parent of two dinosaurs, Fanatic Totz, Fuzou was…

The new environmental documentary, Guardians of the Peak, premiered at Dar Es Salaam on May 5th, highlights conservation efforts and sustainable tourism around Mount Kilimanjaro. Directed by award-winning filmmaker Ram Alli and supported by the Tanzania Film Commission, the production focuses on Tanzania's growing global tourism appeal, raising awareness of environmental preservation, particularly among Chinese audiences. The film is a collaboration between RAM films, Zara Tanzania Adventures, the Association for Promoting Friendship between Tanzania and China and the Tanzania Film Committee. With support from both the public and private sectors, the project highlights Tanzania's commitment to responsible tourism development. Officials…