Author: overtheborders

The South African hotel industry delivered a strong performance in May 2025, reflecting a resilient recovery and increased demand across a range of regions and hotel categories. The latest data from STR, LLC covering May 2025 compared to May 2024 reveals significant improvements in key performance metrics such as occupancy rate (OCC%), average daily rate (ADR), and revenue per room available. This article delves into highlights, regional trends, outstanding performers and provides a comprehensive overview of the industry's trajectory. Nationally, the South African hotel sector rose from 55.7% in May 2024 to 59.5% in May 2025, rising from ZAR 1,610.11…

Kenya Airlines CEO Alan Kirabuka sees Africa as the key to a profitable career network strategy. Graham Dunn reports from Nairobi Kenya Airlines CEO Alan Kirabuka is focusing on boosting Africa's network as an expansion of the airline's eye after the milestone returns to profits.In 2024, Kenya Airlines restored its flights to Maputo in Mozambique, adding flights to Mogadishu, the capital of Somali, and domestic services to Eldoret. However, Kirabuka believes there is a much better chance of connecting Africa. “We need to raise Africa. There are many gaps in Africa that we need to meet,” he said. “For example,…

Embraer has appointed Bridges Air Cargo as the launch operator for the electronic voting rights. This is about to give the first example of the E190F in the third quarter of this year. The aircraft will be leased through ones in the US lessor region, Embler said at the Paris Air Show on June 18 that its commitment to this type has also doubled to four aircraft. The Malta-based bridge leass two E190FSs, Embraer says The freight carrier serves the express delivery market and currently operates a single ATR freighter. Embraer prioritizes using the E190F due to the availability of…

Skywest, a US regional operator, has secured orders for 60 Embraer 175 jets and has acquired the right to buy on 50 more aircraft. Skywest is already an operator 263 E175 jet, and has ordered 16 more times before today's new commitment was announced at the Paris Air Show. Skywest operates 16 of the E175 under a new annual contract for Delta Air Line. These aircraft are expected to replace the 11 CRJ900s and five CRJ700s currently under contract with Delta, with delivery to begin in 2027. The solid delivery positions of the remaining 44 E175 carriers will run between…

Egyptair ordered six more Airbus A350-900s, bringing a solid commitment to Star Alliance's type of carrier to 16. Egyptian airlines first ordered the Rolls Roy Trent XWB-powered A350 at the 2023 Dubai Air Show. Fresh orders were disclosed at the Paris Air Show on June 18th. Egyptair Chairman and CEO Ahmed Adel said: “This will allow us to meet the growing demand for long-distance travel, support our network expansion plans for the next five years, and contribute to Egypt's broader efforts to promote more sustainable air transport.” “We are pleased to announce that Benoit de Saint Exupery, Vice President of…

Using the free toiletries provided in hotel rooms may be appealing, especially if you are only traveling with your baggage, but one expert warns you against doing so. While these toiletries may seem irresistible, there are many practices that can put a holiday goer at risk if they are used.Dawn Morwood, co-director of cheap deals, warns that what's inside those bottles isn't necessarily the case. “Travelers often assume that hotel toiletries are safe and fresh, but the reality can be quite different,” she explains. With years of experience helping HolidayMakers navigate the travel industry, Dawn knows he's cautious when it…

Ethiopian Airlines launches non-stop service from Hyderabad to Addis Ababa to increase global connectivity GMR Aero –LED Consortium GMR Hyderabad International Airport Ltd. (GHIAL) has launched a new chapter on air travel by announcing the launch of a new direct flight service from Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) in Hyderabad, India's fastest growing metro airport. To Addis Ababa Bore International Airport and Addis Ababa. The first flight on June 17, 2025 was successful with Addis Ababa after a celebration ceremony attended by stakeholders of Ethiopian Airlines and other airports, key officials of Ethiopian Airlines and senior officials of Ghial. Operated…

British villas could face a fine of up to £1,700 this summer if they are vaping steaming on prohibited beaches, including popular places in Spain, France and Italy. New rules will come into effect in France from July 1st.Recent statistics from Smoking and Health Action (ASH) reveal that the UK has around 5.6 million pulses, with almost 90% trying to quit smoking or already doing so. Given the number of people relying on vaping as a way to stop smoking, many British people traveling abroad could unconsciously be fined quite subconsciously on beaches where vaping is prohibited.The locations in France,…

The Pilanesberg region has built a reputation as one of the top destinations on South Africa's safari, hoping to see the Big Five and experience the bushes of visitors from all over the world. However, while watching the game is still a major draw card, there is a new layer of tourism added. Place local culture, history and community at the heart of the visitor's experience. Kgosi Nyala Pilane, leader of Bakgatla Ba Kgafela, said it was time to expand what tourism in the region can offer. “Safaris will always be part of what brings people here,” he said. “But…

India's civil aviation regulator has found so far that it has not acknowledged any serious safety concerns in the Air India Boeing 787 Fleet. The DGCA said it discussed the findings so far in a meeting with senior Air India and Air India Express staff after the June 12 accident involving 787-8 at Air Medabad. Recent Surveillance of the Air India 787 Fleet – 33 aircraft, a mixture of the -8S and -9S, stated that it “did not reveal any major safety concerns.” Four of the 33 are undergoing maintenance at various MRO stations. “We have found that aircraft and…