Africa is home to several stunning island nations, each offering unique landscapes, cultures, and attractions. Here are five of the best island nations in Africa to visit in 2024: Madagascar: Known for its incredible biodiversity, Madagascar is the fourth largest island in the world. It boasts diverse ecosystems, including rainforests, deserts, and beaches, as well as unique wildlife such as lemurs and chameleons. Mauritius: Famous for its white sandy beaches, clear turquoise waters, and luxury resorts, Mauritius is a top destination for honeymooners and travelers seeking relaxation and water ..read more

Ethiopia to host Boeing’s Africa headquarters | Kenya, South Africa, and Ethiopia were contenders to host the continental branch, but the American aerospace giant selected Ethiopia due to its exemplary aviation safety record, which is among the best in Africa, Kenyans.co.ke reported. In March, Ethiopian Airlines made history as first African customer for Boeing 777X. Despite recent challenges, Ethiopian Airlines has maintained its commitment to Boeing. Last year, the airline announced orders for 11 Boeing 787 Dreamliners and 20 Boeing 737 Max aeroplanes as part of its fleet mode ..read more

Schengen Visa Fees to Increase from June 11 – Report | Schengen visa fees are set to increase from €80 to €90 for adult applicants starting from June 11, 2024. The increase is a result of the most recent review of the EU visa fees, that took place in December 2023, which is foreseen to happen every three years by the Schengen Visa Code. The EU has resonated the increase with the inflation rates and the salaries of civil servants in the Member States. The European Commission adopted a decision to increase short-stay Schengen visa (visa type C) fees worldwide by 12 per cent. The increase will ap ..read more

Air Cargo Demand Continues Strong Growth into Q2 | The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for April 2024 global air cargo markets showing strong annual growth in demand into the second quarter (Q2).  Total demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTKs*), rose by 11.1% compared to April 2023 levels (11.6% for international operations). This is the fifth consecutive month of double-digit year-on-year growth.   Capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometers (ACTKs), increased by 7.1% compared to April 2023 (10.2% for international operation ..read more

Canada to earn $182bn from Travel & Tourism this year-Report | The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) is forecasting an historic year for Canada’s Travel & Tourism sector this year, with the economic contribution set to reach an all-time high of almost $182bn. Reaching $182.1bn in 2024 represents an additional $8.1BN over its previous peak, affirming the sector’s significant role as an economic force, responsible for generating one in every 15 dollars of economic activity. In partnership with Oxford Economics, WTTC’s latest research highlights a sector abunda ..read more

Wings of Change Focus Africa Conference to Address Resilience and Sustainability | The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that the Wings of Change Focus Africa Conference (WOCFA) will return for its second edition under the theme ‘Towards a More Resilient and Sustainable African Aviation’. WOCFA is taking place in Johannesburg, South Africa, on 2-3 July 2024 with South African Airways as the host airline.  WOCFA will delve into priorities under IATA’s Focus Africa initiative to strengthen aviation’s contribution to the con ..read more

Emirates and Mexico’s Viva Aerobus establish interline partnership | Emirates and Viva Aerobus have signed an interline agreement to enhance connectivity for passengers travelling to Mexico. The partnership will boost access to a host of points in Mexico, allowing Emirates customers to travel onwards from Mexico City to 21 domestic points, while enjoying the convenience of a single baggage policy utilising both airlines on a single ticket. The interline agreement also unlocks more international routes for Emirates customers, providing 20 convenient flight options connecting six points in Mexic ..read more

Ghana’s oil wells ‘drying up’ – Report | Crude Oil production for the year 2023 has decreased by 6.78 per cent resulting in an average decline of 9.2 per cent over the last four years. In 2023, the country produced 48,247,036.61 barrels of oil as against 51,756,481 barrels produced in 2022, the Public Interest Accountability Committee has noted in its 2023 Annual Report on the Management and Use of Petroleum Revenue. It observed that since 2019 when Ghana witnessed its peak in crude oil production with a volume of 71,439,585 barrels, production had declined to 66,926,806 barrels in 2020, repre ..read more

Delta Releases list of Top 10 Most-Searched Summer Destinations | Delta is running its largest international schedule this summer and customers are ready to see the world.  Ahead of Memorial Day, Delta released its second annual list of most-searched international destinations. Gathered from Delta.com search data*, the list reveals cities on customers’ minds for summer travel between May and August.  The top 10 list reveals that many U.S. flyers are seeking different cultural experiences in faraway settings, with Athens experiencing the highest surge (248% increase) in searches from ..read more

Four firms compete to build Ghana’s first nuclear power plant – Report | Ghana will choose a company by December to build its first nuclear power plant, with contenders including France’s EDF, U.S.-based NuScale Power and Regnum Technology Group, and China National Nuclear Corporation, Reuters reported. South Korea’s Kepco and its subsidiary Korea Hydro Nuclear Power Corporation, along with Russia’s ROSATOM, are also vying for the contract, said Robert Sogbadji, Deputy Director for Power in charge of Nuclear and Alternative Energy. “Cabinet will approve the final choice. It can be on ..read more