Author: overtheborders

Sajjad Ahmad, Deputy Business EditorThe global travel landscape is increasingly complex, influenced by climate change, environmental concerns, and changing traveller expectations. In the Middle East, destinations are proactively adapting their tourism strategies to tackle these challenges by focusing on resilience, innovation, and long-term value. The region is addressing issues such as extreme weather, shifting consumer behaviours, and geopolitical pressures with agility and ambition.According to UN Tourism, international tourist arrivals reached 1.4 billion in 2024, marking a 99% recovery to pre-pandemic levels and an 11% increase compared to 2023. The Middle East led this rebound, recording arrivals that were 32% higher…

By Marie-Noelle NWOKOLO Africa’s aviation sector is at a critical juncture. While the challenges – fragmented airspace, high fares, and limited connectivity – are well known, the path forward is now clearer. Several African countries have already demonstrated how the right policies, partnerships, and investments can create robust aviation sectors that drive economic growth and regional integration. This article builds on the earlier exploration of Africa’s self-imposed air travel crisis and moves beyond outlining the problems to focus on actionable solutions. As Africa struggles with its aviation blues, strategic reforms in policy, infrastructure, and partnerships offer a way to unlock…

There is no evidence that the new Namibian president ordered the deportation of 500 Americans from the country, contrary to allegations circulating on social media. The Instagram post creating the claim includes a photo of Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, who took over, along with a photo of Namibia’s first female president, Donald Trump, who took over in March this year. The image text states: “Namibia’s first female president reportedly ordered the deportation of more than 500 Americans. As of April 1, other Western countries, including US citizens and the UK, are currently required to enter Namibia. Even before Donald Trump was re-elected,…

Brits heading to Spain on holiday this summer have been warned that planned protests could cause confusion. Holiday makers planning trips to Spanish hotspots in June, including the Canary Islands, Mallorca and Barcelona, ​​have been warned of potential disruptions as activists prepare for “unprecedented mobilization” for popular tourism.The coordinated demonstration is scheduled for Saturday, June 15th, and is hosted by a Southern European network against tourists, a coalition of activist groups from Spain, Italy, France and Portuguese.The network held its latest strategic meeting in Barcelona last weekend, confirming a widespread plan of action across the region.The protest is expected to…

US carrier JetBlue Airways reports that engine availability situation is improving as fewer aircraft overhauls the Pratt & Whitney (P&W) Turbofan than previously expected. Chief Financial Officer Ursula Harley said in the company's April 29 revenue that JetBlue “sees an improvement” from P&W as it works through a large backlog of geared turbofan (GTF) engines that need to be inspected for potential manufacturing defects in the turbine blades. The GTF engine powers both JetBlue's Airbus A320neo-Family Jets and its A220-300. Harley previously revealed that JetBlue is predicting the number of jets grounded to the average “middle to high 10” year…

BA will begin flying routes to two beautiful Italian cities with fewer tourists than other beloved hotspots in time for summer. The airline offers direct routes from London to Rimini. Rimini will be offering Italians' beloved Roman Beach Resort on the Adriatic coast and Salerno, an ancient port city on the Amalfi coast since May.The flight to Salerno, known lovingly as “Little Napoli”, departs from London Gatwick, while the flight to Rimini departs from London Heathrow. Despite its nickname, Salerno has far fewer tourists than his popular neighbors on the Amalfi coast, but offers quick connections to the most famous…

British startup career Ascend Airways has conducted flights on behalf of the newly established Airra Leone, flying from London Gatwick to Freetown. The service on April 26th was on a Boeing 737 Max 8 (G-Crux), painted in Air Sierra Leone colouring. Air Sierra Leone appeared last October and planned to operate the service through a British aviation operator's certificate. Ascend Airways is part of the wet lease specialist Avia Solutions Group. I secured the UK AOC a year ago. Flights between the UK and the Sierra Leone capital will reestablish a link that has not existed for 12 years. “It…

This article contains affiliate links. You will receive sales commissions generated from sales. learn more He said: “The spring Welsh gambling (well, all year round) was weather and was blessed on the first day, but on Saturday it deteriorated when I walked along the top of the cliffs in the cemetery.”But you couldn't stop you, we ploughed, and it was worth it despite the darkness, with its stunning scenery. Ynys Enlli (Bardsey Island) came into view as we reached a corner of the mainland Northwest Wales.”The group returned to Avadaron Wet, but are pleased to have burned most of those…

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…