One of the most notable advancements within the transport, tourism and hospitality industries has been the integration of card payments. Today, you can make payments for services from anywhere in the world without having to be physically present, and without carrying an equivalent amount of hard cash.

If you’re planning to travel this Easter, here are some stress-free travel tips you should consider:

Pack all your essentials: Before you travel, ensure that you pack all the essentials you’ll need for the duration of your journey. This applies whether you’re traveling alone or with friends and family. Fluids are essential when traveling, so make sure you bring plenty of water to stay hydrated and limit fatigue, especially on long-distance travels.

Ensure your means of travel is in good condition: If you’re traveling by private means like a car or van, always ensure that it is in good condition to avoid any inconveniences during the journey. You don’t want your car or van breaking down in the middle of nowhere and ruining your vacation.

Know your destination in advance: Before visiting a local or international tourist destination, it’s important to find out more about the availability of basic services, including water, medication, and security. You can do this by checking out their websites and social media pages, reading past customer reviews, and going through comments by past visitors on their socials. Don’t make bookings for faraway resorts and tourist destinations only to be surprised by what you find when you arrive.

Know your airliner: Basic planning is essential for air travel. Above all, you’ll need to visit the airliner’s website to familiarize yourself with their policies on luggage and customer relations. Not all airliners have identical approaches to the services they offer, so you need to be keen on the variations to avoid inconveniences. Again, you can find this information on their website and on their social media pages.

Make it fun and enjoyable: Whenever you travel, try to make your trip memorable by having fun and enjoyable moments. You can do this during pauses in your journey or during the journey – as long as it doesn’t endanger your safety.

Above all, convenience during travel is key to ensuring you have a great time during your trip. Debit and Credit Card payments during your holiday remove the stress and security risks that are often associated with carrying cash in bulk.

If you are an Equity Bank customer,  you can make payments with your Equity Card – which is FREE, safe and secure. All you need to do is simply swipe or tap your card at your favourite merchant location. In fact, this Easter, Equity will give you Ksh 500 back for every Ksh 5,000 spent using your Equity cards including the Equity Mastercard, Equity Visa card or Equity AMEX card

The cards can be accessed by both customers and non-customers and can be used widely – for purchases, online shopping, ATM withdrawals, ticket bookings, and more.

By following these simple travel tips and taking advantage of convenient payment solutions like Equity Bank’s Card Payment, you can have a stress-free Easter travel experience and make the most of your vacation.

Cover photo by Pixabay

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The awards are; Best Airport Hotel, Kenya 2022 by CEO Destinations and Kenya’s Leading Airport Hotel 2022 by World Travel Awards.

The awards come at a time when the luxury hotel is celebrating 5 years anniversary since setting up at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi.

2022 is the year of rebounds and comebacks for the hospitality, travel, and tourism industry. For award-winning property Four Points by Sheraton, Nairobi Airport it also marks a milestone year with many reasons to celebrate this October. Not resting on previous success (having been recognised for 4 consecutive years as the continent’s leading airport hotel), the property has pulled off a hattrick of awards this season. Endorsed by two globally recognised bodies the hotel cements itself as THE LEADING AIRPORT HOTEL both locally and on the continent for the 5th year in a row. This coincides with the five-year anniversary of the hotel since opening its doors in October 2017.

Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Airport has become a mark of excellence for hospitality industry professionals, executives and leisure travellers jetting into the country.

The CEO Destinations listing, and awards is the ultimate guide for corporate executives and companies. It provides insights and rankings for exceptional properties that provide a business conducive environment and superior experience across the world. Four Points by Sheraton, Nairobi Airport’s accolade was announced on October 24th, 2022. Similarly, the hotel was also featured in their World Travel Top100 locations for traveling executives who want to enjoy luxury business and travel experiences in 2022.

Alongside, the hotel also picked up its other award at the WTA Africa & Indian Ocean gala event held at the KICC earlier in the month. The WTA Awards have become synonymous as the hallmark of industry excellence with a record 2.3million votes cast this past year alone. This represents the vast confidence in recovery for the tourism sector.

Accepting both accolades was Four Points By Sheraton, Nairobi Airport General Manager, Vivek Mathur who has been instrumental in leading the property to great success.

He comments “These awards on the eve of our 5th anniversary serve as a testament to the passion and hard work of our entire Four Points team. Throughout the pandemic and beyond, they have been unwavering in their commitment to delivering a world-class experience that is unmatched elsewhere. It is my firm belief that our people are the key reason we continue to remain a leader in our category. It gives me great joy to see my team progress through the ranks, starting out as juniors and growing into leadership roles. The future is bright for our sector, and we are committed to reaching the next milestone”.

Driven by changes in the operating environment, Four Point By Sheraton Nairobi Airport has been at the forefront of deploying a transformational business continuity model that has resulted in consistent growth in the number of guests at the property.

In 2021 the hotel was also acknowledged as Africa’s Leading Airport Hotel by WTA and the International Hotel Awards body.

The Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Airport is a 172-room hotel located strategically inside the JKIA Complex, opened in October 2017. The hotel amenities include multi-functional meeting and event spaces, a dedicated business lounge all-day dining restaurant, pool bar and grill, coffee lounge, rooftop pool, gym, and spa. The hotel benefits from views of the airport runway and the Nairobi National Park.

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One Sunday afternoon, when Kenya Power had done their thing I decided to call and let her know that I was driving down. The direction was not too difficult to follow. Took the Kisian – Bondo road, and turned just after the bridge past Ongalo Mixed Secondary School, driving towards Osiri Beach. It’s an approximately 10-minute drive on a smooth murram road after you leave the highway.

If you are thinking about a gateway for the weekend, hanging out with friends in a secluded environment, private parties, or even weekend camping with family and friends then this is quite the place for all that and more.

Hearts, Palms and Memories sits on what looks like a four-acre piece of land that is still under development. A camping area, complete with restaurant, kitchen and dining area is however already complete. When complete the facility will host cottages too.

What’s most remarkable about this place is the fact that they have as much as possible not tried to interfere with nature. Natural rocks, lush green vegetation and amazing views of the lake are just but some of what you enjoy while here. The fish you will dine on was probably caught by a fisherman at Osiri Beach just that morning. The vegetables on your plate are grown right inside the same facility – talk about “from the garden to your plate.” It’s quite not rare for Dr Neema, a celebrated orthopaedic surgeon to be your chef for the day or waitress.

On this particular day, Peter Oposh Jabunde, a fellow simba was accompanying me, driving ahead in his Peugeot 406, while I followed behind on my 1997 Peugeot 405 Hunter blaring some loud reggae vibes. The dust, the loud music and the simbas were a sight to behold in the quiet fishing village (okay, I just exaggerated a bit). We stayed for dinner and the good doctor was kind enough to serve us pan-fried tilapia, chips, and some amazing tamarind sauce which I carried a fair serving of home because I could not have enough of it. Other than the sights, and food, the facility also offers an assortment of soft and alcoholic beverages. A beer is as cheap as Sh 300.

Driving back home in the evening, trying to beat curfew, I told myself I would not have spent my day better. Wondered why it took me so long to visit this place, but I will surely make a trip every time I feel like clearing my mind. I think I might even just buy a bicycle and talk to Neema to keep it down there for me – for those days I just want to go enjoy lazy rides in a fishing village, or just to find a new reason to be in her DM.

The post Places to visit in Kisumu – Exploring Hearts, Palms and Memories appeared first on Biz Post Daily.

“Ominde wacha kutuangusha bana, we were told for anything we need in this town you are our connect!”

Home Stay Lounge is situated to the right of Sunset Hotel, just behind Nyanza Club and it’s ideal for weekend chillout. The property has an awesome view of the lake with breathtaking views for sunset lovers and photography enthusiasts.

With changes in social behaviour due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the outdoor setup allows you to have an awesome time alone or with friends and family without exposing yourselves to too much risk. All patrons entering the facility have their temperature checked and have to sanitize their hands before being allowed into the facility.

The facility offers ample and secure parking for patrons both inside and outside the premises.

The food is great with a wide variety of cuisine to choose from. They serve alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages of all kinds.

The post Tembea Kisumu: Discover Amazing Sun Sets At Home Stay Lounge appeared first on Biz Post Daily.

The price goes down to 93 bob only!

Here is what you will get for Ksh. 93.00 :

• A night in Acacia Superior room overlooking the Lake (includes breakfast)
• A bouquet of roses for the ladies
• A bottle of wine
• An hour long romantic boat ride
• Free entry to our Valentine Dinner- The Apple & Rose Affair

There is a catch though, from today 26th January 2017, Acacia Premier Hotel Kisumu will be running a competition on their Facebook Page dubbed #93ReasonsToLove which is about celebrating their customers in Kisumu. They will post a love poem on their page that you will be expected to complete. If your rhymes blow the judges away then you get to win this room for only 93 bob.

If you haven’t been to Kisumu’s Acacia Premier, it’s the only Four Star Hotel in Kisumu located at the West End Mall.

It has a swimming pool on the 2nd floor and a poolside bar known as the Aqua Bar. It’s famous for it’s Choma Night on Friday evenings. You can also have your meals here.

If you prefer a more indoor experience then you need to check out the Buzz Bar on the 1st floor. They boast of having Kisumu’s best cocktail mixologist.

The hotel also has a start-of- the art gym facilities with a gym instructor. A spa where you can revitalize your mind, body and spirit as you enjoy an unforgettable Valentine getaway!

Well, whatever your plans are you got 93 reasons to surprise your special one this love-season.

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The post Kisumu’s Acacia Premier to give away a hotel room for 93 bob on Valentines’ Day appeared first on Biz Post Daily.

Our homes are usually the place we feel most secure – or at least that is what is usually expected. This is the reason hotels invest heavily in security installations. But still, mistakes do happen and it’s important for hotels to go to great lengths to ensure that in the event clients lose property in their establishment, the event is properly investigated.

Last week a couple of bloggers were visiting Rusinga Island for the annual Rusinga Cultural Festival. They traveled in two groups and arrived at Blue Ridge Hotel, Rusinga one day apart. They were having a good time at the mid level hotel until one evening when their rooms were broken into as they had their dinner.

The next series of tweets from one of the bloggers explain what happened and how the hotel handled the situation:

A couple of days ago, I was in Rusinga having a great time and getting ready for #RusingaFest2016 when things went wrong. – @potentash

— mmnjug (@mmnjug) December 28, 2016

Some of our rooms at Blue Ridge Hotel Rusinga were gotten into and we lost some of our possessions. – @potentash

— mmnjug (@mmnjug) December 28, 2016

We were having dinner when I was asked to give out my key so that my water could be checked, there was no hot water in my room.- @potentash

— mmnjug (@mmnjug) December 28, 2016

I decided to go up, and after the guy checked the water I went to pick my camera phone which had been charging. – @potentash

— mmnjug (@mmnjug) December 28, 2016

I was about to look for it when I noticed my purse was open and it was empty, no sign of the 8 K plus that was there earlier. – @potentash

— mmnjug (@mmnjug) December 28, 2016

Realizing I had been robbed, I looked for my laptop. It was gone. My heart was beating like a loud African drum at this point.- @potentash

— mmnjug (@mmnjug) December 28, 2016

I went down to the reception and reported to the receptionist. She looked clueless and did nothing. – @potentash

— mmnjug (@mmnjug) December 28, 2016

I quickly went to my friends and when they checked some of them had been robbed. – @potentash

— mmnjug (@mmnjug) December 28, 2016

One of our friends on 2nd flr found that it’s like they were in the middle of breaking her door but when they heard me they must have fled.

— mmnjug (@mmnjug) December 28, 2016

It’s important to note that on 1st flr our doors were opened,closed again, our hotel keys were kawaida keys like for a house door.

— mmnjug (@mmnjug) December 28, 2016

It’s important to note that on 1st flr our doors were opened,closed again, our hotel keys were kawaida keys like for a house door.

— mmnjug (@mmnjug) December 28, 2016

When a hotel has a breach of security incident like this, the first reaction would be to call the police, but did that happen? Read the next tweets:

I asked for numbers for the cops, she did nothing. It was until we started causing that management was called. – @potentash

— mmnjug (@mmnjug) December 28, 2016

If she had been a quick thinker she would have closed the main door, there is only one door to leave the hotel. – @potentash

— mmnjug (@mmnjug) December 28, 2016

At some point when the cops finally came and looked through some of the rooms – @potentash

— mmnjug (@mmnjug) December 28, 2016

Police found a guy who apparently checked in just after us,paid for one night,then paid for another night then disappeared after the robbery

— mmnjug (@mmnjug) December 28, 2016

Then the story started that the guy could have been with us. – @potentash

— mmnjug (@mmnjug) December 28, 2016

Our bookings mind you had been made in advance. So, we checked in when cash had already been deposited. – @potentash

— mmnjug (@mmnjug) December 28, 2016

Some guys came in on Tuesday, others on Wednesday:somehow it was suggested maybe some of us robbed others because we didn’t know each other

— mmnjug (@mmnjug) December 28, 2016

So why does it have to be that calling the cops when your client has been robbed becomes a favor? Is it not supposed to make it look like you are doing something about it and actually preserve the reputation of your establishment? Follow the next tweets with me:

Don’t act like you calling the cops or bringing in other security professionals to handle the case you are doing me a favour. – @potentash

— mmnjug (@mmnjug) December 28, 2016

I was robbed at your establishment and the least you can do is look like you are dealing with the matter. – @potentash

— mmnjug (@mmnjug) December 28, 2016

You are bringing in cops to make sure that the integrity of your hotel’s name is preserved not as a favour to me. – @potentash

— mmnjug (@mmnjug) December 28, 2016

Then the management went further telling the clients who had been robbed how many important people had stayed at the hotel and had never been robbed! What a way of handling a situation:

Don’t tell me how important people have stayed at your hotel and never been robbed. – @potentash

— mmnjug (@mmnjug) December 28, 2016

We are also important, we have paid for rooms, don’t dismiss my concerns because we apparently are nobody’s. – @potentash

— mmnjug (@mmnjug) December 28, 2016

The fact that somebody has paid to be in your hotel means they are equally as important as the VIPs. – @potentash

— mmnjug (@mmnjug) December 28, 2016

If the VIPS don’t come again because somebody else was robbed will it matter to you then – @potentash

— mmnjug (@mmnjug) December 28, 2016

We kind of got the feeling the reason why there was no urgency in dealing with our situation is because we were not what was considered VIPs

— mmnjug (@mmnjug) December 28, 2016

The reason why VIPs were not robbed was maybe because they came with their own security or the hotel provided extra security. – @potentash

— mmnjug (@mmnjug) December 28, 2016

The staff too seem not to understand basic security procedures when cleaning clients’ rooms. Look at this:

Don’t tell your staff that it is not professional to have four rooms open at the same time when they are cleaning one room. – @potentash

— mmnjug (@mmnjug) December 28, 2016

I kid you not, when the staff were cleaning they opened all the rooms on my side and left them open. – @potentash

— mmnjug (@mmnjug) December 28, 2016

Security cameras are not that out of reach for an establishment like this. Do they omit them by design? Why is it that the hotel does not have a single CCTV camera in this day and age?

There were no security cameras in the hotel that we saw, so we couldn’t even tell how they got into our rooms. – @potentash

— mmnjug (@mmnjug) December 28, 2016

But what matters most when clients get robbed at your establishment is how you treat them. That determines whether they will ever recommend the place to someone else or will work hard to ensure that you are out of business.

Afterwards do not do anything to show that you truly regret what happened, like give a complimentary drink or meal. – @potentash

— mmnjug (@mmnjug) December 28, 2016

Anyway that seems not to be the only problem, someone who recently visited the facility had this to say:

” I decided to do local tourism to that place recently..eehh, very expensive meals, very poor breakfast. I can’t recommend to anyone”

Well, we gave the hotel management an opportunity to respond and this is it:

“Linet everything is under investigation the incident happened on 21st jioni so we are waiting for the feedback thats why we dont have much to say meanwhile the security measures is being put in place.” – Edith Ayoo

Quite a reassurance that one!

Was it an inside job? How did the thief open the rooms without breaking in and get away undetected?

Maybe you need to reconsider your holiday or conference plans unless you want to be the next victims. In the meantime I hope the thief will be apprehended and my colleagues will have their valuables back.

Here though is article by Potentash who was one of the bloggers robbed at the Hotel on how to minimize your chances of getting robed in a hotel. This article was inspired by the Rusinga robbery.

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Image Rights: Rusinga Blue Ridge Hotel

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On the first day of our stay we decided to check into Naivasha town. One of our friends who tagged along had lived in Naivasha before and suggested we drive to Lake Naivasha Panorama Park which was about 20 Kilometers from our location at Kirima Farm House (one of the Signature Cottages Properties).

Lake Naivasha Panorama Park is quite breathtaking for lack of a better word. The engineers and architects who designed it actually took the natural rugged Rift Valley topography and turned them into an architectural masterpiece.

The facility is actually perched on a natural cliff and offers stunning views of Lake Naivasha. In the evening you can have amazing sunset views from the photography area. Beyond Lake Naivasha you can catch a glimpse of Mt. Longonot.

The facility does not serve alcohol and is very friendly for a family day out with the kids or a corporate retreat.

Bellow the cliff lies two swimming pools. The poolside restaurants offer quite an interesting dining experience. They are open for brunch, lunches and afternoon tea. You can also catch a quick snack just like we did if you are only there to enjoy the pool. Try out their non-alcoholic cocktails while at it.

If you are a staying guest at the hotel then you have two other dining options. The 360 view restaurant is the hallmark of your visit to Lake Naivasha Panorama Park. The signature fine dining restaurant a wide range of cuisines that are aimed at surpassing your pallets’ wildest dreams.  Be it African, Europes steakhouses and classic Italian recipes to modern Japanese cuisine, they got it all under one roof.

You also have the choice of having your meals in the privacy of your cottage, room or suite.

Their rates are fairly affordable so if you are thinking of holiday destinations for December, why not think out of the cliche’ coastal destinations and pay this place a visit?

PHOTO CREDITS: James Ocholla Ominde & Bethsheba Akinyi Ominde

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His name is Kiki Kariuki Marima and he went all out to try and find a Valentine’s Day date. He created a website (he is an IT guy so that was not difficult) and a hash tag #Bae4Kiki to help him find that elusive  date. In his website he describes himself as a Scientist, Christian, Phillanthropist and Software developer. He is also a self professed lover of avocados. Actually avocados are so special to him that if the “bae” can’t share his love for them she must at least appreciate them>

Kiki did not know how far this little joke that he thought he was playing with his friends would go and to his surprise it took the interwebs with a storm. Everyone was talking about it or trying to help Kiki find bae. The corporates were not left out either.

Earlier this week Capital Fm picked onto this and invited him to their breakfast show where they started getting pledges from corporates who wanted to be involved in Kiki’s search for bae.

First cars pledged to chaufer him and bae around with top of the range limousines if he found a date.

Capital FM & @FirstCCars Concierge come through for #Bae4Kiki https://t.co/Vagjo8S2IW @984inthemorning pic.twitter.com/XQxUE4pH8f

— Capital FM Kenya (@CapitalFMKenya) February 11, 2016

If you fit #Bae4Kiki requirement and you wanna be his Bae, we’ll throw in an amazing treat courtesy of @FirstCCars! pic.twitter.com/XimuuzsAnz

— Capital in the Morn (@984inthemorning) February 9, 2016

That was not all.

Uchumi threw in dinner at Villa Rossa Kempinski.

Hey @kmarima if you find a date by Friday, dinner is on us at @VillaRosaKempin #SpreadMyUchumiLove #Bae4Kiki pic.twitter.com/mq8y1eURgV

— NTV Kenya (@ntvkenya) February 11, 2016

Actually he was lucky enough to get two offers on free dinner.

Because we enjoy a good love story, @kmarima your first date is on us at Mandhari resturant #Bae4kiki pic.twitter.com/D6JnvO7Kij

— Serena Hotels (@serenahotels) February 9, 2016

So the big question is, will Kiki find Bae or did Kiki find Bae?

Well we have the answer for you…………

Yes the title says it all … I found bae .. not sure how much I should reveal here … From our conversation, she is all shades of cool, she is non-male and she loves avocados … what more could a man ask for. I’ll keep y’all posted on twitter … follow me @kmarima

Like you see he finally found bae, but he is not divulging much at the moment…so follow him for more info. This though is a lesson on how strategic you can be with your online campaigns – look at how corprates are fighting to be part of it. I am not sure if he intended it to be this way but het…look at how it turned out!

You probably already have bae so why don’t you treat him or her to something special this Valentine’s Day?

Victoria Comfort Hotel in Kisumu is hosting the Valentine’s Dinner on 13th February from 6.30 PM. Enjoy amazing food, wine and great ballads by Kisumu’s Uzima Vibe Band. Tickets go for Ksh. 3,000 per couple but you can also get them for free by tuning in to Urban Radio on 90.7 FM.

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Newly launched Acacia Premier Hotel, in Kisumu has announced a Valentine’s Day hospitality package that they claim is uniquely tailored to promote domestic tourism (sigh).

Acacia Premier will host the Ksh. 500,000 Lakeside Romance package, featuring a helicopter ride around Lake Victoria, an exclusive lunch set at the picturesque Maboko Island in the Winam Gulf of Lake Victoria with a yacht ride from the island to the hotel for a private dinner at the presidential suite (no, I did not get the digits wrong, neither is it in Tanzanian currency).

(Now if your wife or God forbid your mpango wa kando asks for this she wants you dead. You know Ksh. 500,000 can buy her a new Demio even with the new excise duty and you will have change.)

Let me not digress, Patrons taking up the two-night, tailor made Lakeside Romance package will also enjoy the services of a private butler (do you even know who that is?) and chef, a private guitarist (This is where you ask if they can lower the price if you carry your own music), complimentary couples massage and exciting gifts for the ladies.

According to Simba Corporation’s Chief Hospitality Officer, Nazir Khamisa, this package has been designed to celebrate the unique tourism sites around Lake Victoria to further boost domestic tourism (who goes on tour when it costs a freaking Ksh. 500,ooo for a day! We all are not relatives of the eurobond traders!!).

“At Acacia, we make ordinary days extraordinary, we want to illustrate that sentiment through our special Valentine’s Day celebrations for guests this year. With this unique offer, we will definitely raise the bar not only in the western region, but in Kenya as a whole” said Mr. Khamisa.

The hotel will at the same time offer other creative, exciting packages for those looking for a one-of-a-kind Valentine’s Day experience. The packages will include gifts, entertainment, exclusive dinners and lavish accommodations at the hotel for the superior suites as well as luxurious boat rides for the bay suites (When Ksh. 500,000 is called an offer, exciting packages will not be that friendly either so tame your excitement).

“We want to ensure everyone (another sigh) can access comfortable packages within their means and have the best experience,” said Duncan Mwangi, the General Manager, Acacia Premier.

Guest and customers at the Hotel will all be treated to a live music performance and comedy on Valentine’s Day as well (This is where you ask if you can bring your R.Kelly and Dolly Parton CDs for a discount).

Simba Corporation plans to have a unique proposition by setting up mid-priced hotels under the “Acacia Premier” and “Acacia Express” brands. Plans are also at an advanced stage for the groundbreaking of an Acacia Express unit in Naivasha in the coming months ahead of a projected full scale rollout of Acacia Premier and Acacia Express hotels in the East Africa region.

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