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regions | africa ANALYSIS


BEYOND AFRICA’S WILD FRONTIER


Along with traditional safaris and adventures, many cruise expeditions and nature trails await travelers across the continent. By Rashmi Narayan


Travel across Africa picked up pace in 2023, when many airlines recuperated losses owing to the pandemic. While some travelers will be concerned about flight connections within the African continent, various regional airlines such as Proflight Zambia, CemAir and FlySafair are expanding their networks. By the end of July 2023, the total number of


arrivals in Morocco had reached about 8.7 million tourists, representing a significant rise of 58 percent compared to the same period in 2022. The country’s principal airports in Marrakech, Casablanca and Agadir received a total of 3.8 million travelers. The main markets contributing to this positive


performance were visitors from Europe and the U.S. Comparing numbers of U.S. travelers between 2022 and 2023, Morocco welcomed 109,238 visitors in 2022 and 209,155 in 2023, leading to an impressive rise of 91 percent. Despite Morocco’s devastating earthquake in September 2023, local tour operators are assuring visitors that there are plenty of other monuments and sights to visit, as well as desert safaris, culinary tours and biking trails. As part of its growth plans, Royal Air Maroc


launched a new campaign in October 2023. The airline shared the catchy new hashtags #DreamAfrica and #MeetMorocco, and unveiled plans for a new fleet and additional flight paths besides the carrier’s existing routes between Casablanca and Miami, Washington Dulles and JFK airports. Paul Hassenstab, Director of EMEAI Sales for Delta


Air Lines, states that bookings were very healthy in the summer of 2023. Delta flew its largest transatlantic schedule and customers were able to take advantage of more than 650 weekly flights between the U.S. and EMEAI countries during the peak summer months. Hassenstab says: “In December 2022, we started


the Cape Town to Atlanta service, and our South Africa services — along with our flights to Ghana, Nigeria and Senegal — have gone from strength to strength. All our Delta customers between Africa and the U.S. ... have access to paid wi-fi and free mobile messaging, as well as seat-back entertainment screens featuring a


48 | ASTA | Worldwide Destination Guide 2024/25


wealth of premium content on Delta Studio.” He adds: “We’re excited that customers will have access to fast- streaming wi-fi for free by the end of 2024.” Since the pandemic, resorts across the African


continent have welcomed larger multi-generational family groups looking for more intimate experiences such as off-the-beaten-track, self-driving tours. Luxury cruises and polar expeditions are also on


the radar for many travelers. The past decade has witnessed a sharp rise in the number of ships being built for cruise trips, with some being specifically designed for exploring polar regions. One such excursion sails between the southernmost tips of two continents. In March 2024, National Geographic Expeditions will take travelers on a Cape-to-Cape oceanic journey from South America to South Africa. The 20-day voyage begins in Cape Horn and passes far-flung places such as the Falklands and the world’s most remote inhabited island, Tristan da Cunha, before finally docking in the Cape of Good Hope, Cape Town. On a subsequent trip, the same ship will sail passengers for 18 days from South Africa to Madagascar and East African countries such as Tanzania. This trip also includes safari tours in Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve. In Mozambique, the White Pearl — a resort known


for pool suites overlooking the Indian Ocean — has unveiled a luxury beachfront property called the Villa, complete with a dedicated chef and butler for families and large groups looking for a tranquil getaway. A sensory journey through the wilderness is


often extended by game drives, helicopter flights, canoe rides and nature walks. Quiet and meaningful escapes are the themes for Rwanda, which is set to welcome visitors over two seasons with new lodges. Near the majestic Lake Kivu, the Mantis Kivu


Queen uBuranga opened in December 2023. With 10 modern cabins, this luxury houseboat sails across serene waters, voyaging past lakeside villages and picturesque landscapes. It is also equipped with a pool, restaurant and bar and has a strong aim to employ locals within the community in Rwanda.


From top: A dune in Sossusvlei, Namibia; a souk (market) Morocco


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