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

The post Tips For a Hassle-Free Easter Vacation appeared first on Biz Post Daily.

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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A report by International Air Transport Association (IATA), the Air Cargo Market Analysis for December 2021, showed demand and growth in cargo capacity in Africa of up to 7.6 percent. Well above the long-term average growth trend of 4.7 percent.

‘’Jambojet has a fleet of 6 De Havilland Canada Dash 8 Q-400, and operates an average of 280 flights weekly across the network. Each flight has cargo hold capacity of 1.2tonne, most of which flies empty. With the introduction of cargo operations, we can seamlessly connect the Coastal destinations rich in fish and sea food to Nairobi,’’ Said Mr. Karanja Ndegwa, Jambojet Managing Director and CEO

Jambojet started the Nairobi-Goma in Democratic Republic of the Congo in September 2021, becoming the first low-cost carrier to fly the route, and also the only direct flight between Nairobi and the Eastern DRC city. The airline started with 2 frequencies weekly, which have since grown to 3.

This came after the signing of a four-part bilateral agreement between the Government of Kenya and that of the DRC covering investment, and policy development in several economic sectors including tourism, agriculture, education, energy, infrastructure development among others.

Jambojet has also signed agreements with airlines such as Kenya Airways and Astral Aviation that allow for seamless connection of cargo from local destinations to international markets. The Jambojet Cargo product portfolio includes JM General Cargo, JM Express, JM Pharma, JM Live, JM Fresh and JM Repatriation.

In a bid to diversify its product offering and complement its scheduled operations, Jambojet launched Charter services in October 2020 which allows one to charter a Jambojet aircraft to various destinations.

Since its inception in 2014, Jambojet, which is IOSA certified (IATA Operational Safety Audit registration), has achieved undeniable business growth with a fleet of 6 brand new De Havilland Dash 8-400 and has flown over 4.7 million passengers across all its destinations.

The post Jambojet Lauches Cargo Flights to Eight Destinations Including DRC appeared first on Biz Post Daily.

Kenya Airways will also offer courses through its Pride Centre and explore the exchange of technical personnel in various areas to ensure skills transfer between the two airlines.

The partnership strengthens collaboration and bolsters aviation ties between Kenya and the DRC, actualising the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Kenya Airways and Congo Airways signed in April 2021 in Kinshasa and witnessed by Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta and DRC’s President Felix Tshisekedi.

Kenya Airways Group MD and CEO Allan Kilavuka hailed the partnership as the first of many steps in actualising Pan Africanism by creating a model for cooperation between two African Airlines, which will contribute to Africa’s socio-economic development.

“KQ is a key player in the aviation space in Africa, and with over 40 years of experience, this is an important step in enhancing cooperation to increase air connectivity and offer greater passenger and cargo options between the two countries. The timing of this agreement is correct, considering the severe impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the aviation industry, as it will increase the utilisation of our aircraft.”

Speaking about the newly launched cargo direct flights between Johannesburg and Lubumbashi, he added, “Cargo has provided new opportunities in the face of the pandemic, and we are keen to continue building our operations and leveraging partnerships.” The enhanced network is built around KQ’s southern Africa operations in Johannesburg and is expected to provide further connections to additional points within the DRC and Africa. This will provide customers with more convenient schedules and capacity at a time when the global industry has suffered capacity shortfall due to the pandemic as well as improve profitability of KQ’s regional freighters on the return sector from Johannesburg”, he added.

Congo Airways’ CEO Pascal Kasongo Mwema Mwenda said, “Increased air connectivity will offer more choices to passengers in the DRC and between the two countries. It will also provide better connectivity to international destinations, enabling both countries to fly to a better future and build a resilient aviation industry that can stand the test of time.”

Kenya is seeking to leverage the DRC market by diversifying its export destinations, given the COVID 19 induced disruption, which has highlighted the need for deeper inter-regional trade.

Strengthened bilateral between the two countries will boost the National Carrier and Congo Airways passenger and cargo transport businesses between the two markets and the international network.

KQ currently operates an Embraer maintenance service centre – through its Technical Department – having flown the Embraer jets since 2008. Its Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) has two state-of-the-art hangers, mechanical and avionics workshops, and extensive warehousing capable of handling line and base maintenance of several aircraft models, including B737s E-Jets, and B787.

The International Air Transport Associations (IATA) estimates that African airlines saw a combined loss of USD 2 billion due to reduced passenger travel in 2020. Kenya Airways continues to diversify its services and operations in response to the ongoing impact of COVID-19 on the aviation sector.

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While not all of us have had the opportunity to leave our birth countries to settle in new ones, the experience of being dropped into an unfamiliar territory is something we have all experienced at one point in our lives.

This podcast by Myra Anubi, a Kenyan journalist who recently moved to the United Kingdom, is inspired by her own lived experiences. The culture shock of a girl raised in Kenya trying to fit into the bustling life of London.

Making friends, finding schools for her two children, getting a job and just trying to remain sane – all of course in the middle of a pandemic.

In the now seven episodes of this podcasts, she talks to different people who have made similar moves to various parts of the world, sharing their experiences in their own words as she subtly tries to draw parallels with her lived experiences.

Stories from Kenya, Japan, India, Portugal, Brazil and of course the USA.

It’s the first time I am reviewing a podcast by a Kenyan and I can promise you the storytelling technique used in this one is quite engaging. Perhaps influenced by her previous experience working on Kenyan radio and her recent gig as a podcast producer for The Times UK.

Myra employs humour, wit and incredible sound production techniques that make each episode quite captivating.

My favorite episodes are ‘Naked in Japan’ and ‘The 44th Tribe, India.’

I listen to this podcast on Anchor (by Spotify), but you can also find it on Sound Cloud.

Have a podcast you like that you think we should feature? Leave us a comment.

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The enhanced agreement enables Delta customers flying nonstop on the airline’s services from New York-JFK to Accra, Ghana, to connect with Delta-marketed codeshare flights to Monrovia, Liberia, and Freetown, Sierra Leone, operated by Kenya Airways. Delta-marketed codeshare flights will also be available on Kenya Airways’ services from Nairobi to Cape Town, South Africa; Harare, Zimbabwe; and Kigali, Rwanda.

From New York-JFK, Kenya Airways has placed its code on Delta’s services to Washington’s Ronald Regan National Airport, offering customers increased access to the U.S. capital, as well as to Indianapolis, Indiana.

“Delta is the leading U.S. airline in Africa. Strengthening our partnership with Kenya Airways responds to customer demand for more travel choice between the continent and North America,” said Alain Bellemare, Delta’s E.V.P and President International. “These codeshare services will offer customers greater access to destinations in South, West and East Africa, rounding out Delta’s existing network of nonstop services to Accra, Dakar, Johannesburg and Lagos.”

“Kenya Airways and Delta Air Lines’ partnership remains central to our plans of offering the fastest connections to the Americas from our Nairobi hub and is in-line with our brand promise of enabling the sustainable development of Africa by providing access to different markets,” said Julius Thairu, Kenya Airways Chief Customer and Commercial Officer.” In addition to Washington’s Ronald Regan National Airport and Indianapolis, Indiana, other destinations we have within the codeshare are New York: Chicago O’Hare – Illinois, Denver – Colorado, Orlando – Florida, Miami – Florida, Raleigh Durham – North Carolina, Phoenix – Arizona, Charlotte – North Carolina.”

Delta and Kenya Airways are both members of the SkyTeam alliance. Frequent Flyers can earn and redeem miles on both airlines, while Elite Plus travelers benefit from SkyPriority services.

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The airline says the new routes and increased flight frequencies are aimed at meeting the expected increased travel demand during the Easter holiday. Travellers on these routes will enjoy greater flexibility during the festive period from 18th March to 19th April 2021.

The airline will operate a total of 9 weekly non-stop flights with the Nairobi-Eldoret route operating five new weekly flights from 18th of March to 19th of April: Kisumu-Mombasa route operating two weekly flights from 25th of March to 11th April 2021 and the Entebbe-Mombasa route operating two weekly flights from 1st April to 5th April.

Kenya Airways Acting Chief Commercial and Customer Officer Julius Thairu – while acknowledging that the situation remains fluid – says that the scheduled enhancement will help meet the growing passenger demand during this period and provide more choices, flexibility, and convenience.

“We have seen signs of demand from customers who want to visit their family and friends or go on vacation, and their travel booking intent remains largely unchanged. We, however, continue to monitor trends and observe the Covid-19 protocols to ensure passengers comfort and safety even with increased demand.”

The Easter celebrations are part of the airline’s commitment to enhanced customer experience with unique and seasonal offerings.

Kenya Airways flight routings this Easter:

Eldoret

New flights, direct from Nairobi to/from Eldoret.
5 weekly flights from 18th Mar 2021 to 19th Apr 2021.
Operated by E190 on Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat and Sun.
Morning schedule on Mon and Sat and Evening schedule on Thu, Fri and Sun.

Kisumu Mombasa

New flights direct from Kisumu to/from Mombasa.
2 weekly flights from 25th Mar 2021 to 11th Apr 2021.
Operated by E190 on Thu and Sun.

Entebbe Mombasa

New flights direct from Entebbe, Uganda to/from Mombasa.
2 weekly flights from 1st Apr 2021 to 5th Apr 2021.
Operated by E190 on Mon and Thu.

Kenya Airways is also providing a special offer celebrating women during International Women’s Month comprising of one free ticket for every four bookings made before March 31st. This is extended targeted at women who wish to travel between Kisumu to Mombasa or Nairobi to Mombasa.

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Today, many of us find ourselves in situations where we have to leave our countries and move somewhere else for school, work, family or even just to change environments.

Almost Diaspora is here to paint a picture of why relocating might be one of the craziest decisions you ever make. It’s here, it’s raw and it’s all true. Hopefully, this helps you navigate your new home.

I am a Kenyan journalist living in the UK. I started this podcast to attempt to make sense of my new world. This is the first episode of ‘Almost Diaspora,’ which will be coming out every Friday.

Today, I talk to a British friend I met in Kisumu, but whom we have reconnected with here in the UK about his experiences living abroad in two different countries and how he dealt with cultural differences. Press play….

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The partnership involves branding one of Jambojet’s De Havilland Dash 8-400 aircraft for a period of one year.

“Last year we launched the ‘Now Travel Ready’ campaign to encourage domestic tourism as part of COVID-19 recovery. This partnership with KTB will further drive this conversation in a bid to revive the sector,” said Karanja Ndegwa, Ag. Managing Director, Jambojet.

The move is also part of Jambojet’s recovery strategy where it is looking to diversify its revenue generation through advertising placements.

Domestic tourism accounts for over 70 % of the Travel and Tourism sector in major economies globally. In Kenya, domestic tourists’ bed-night occupancy accounted for more than 50 % of the total bed occupancy from 2015-2018.

KTB CEO Dr Betty Radier lauded the local carrier for having contributed to the growth of tourism by enabling accessibility to tourism destinations in the country.

She said the partnership was among the many ventures the Board has explored with a view to growing the destination tourism offerings.

According to Oxford Economics and global Travel report (2020-2021), domestic and regional travel will dominate the tourism industry in 2021 compared to international tourism. Many destinations are expected to maintain their international travel restrictions for a large part of the year and affordability and safety concerns are also expected to encourage closer-to-home travel.

Jambojet offers various advertising options including the Jambojet website, boarding passes, tray tables, in-flight announcements, in-flight sampling, e-newsletter, headrest covers and flight itinerary branding.

The airline recently launched direct flights from Mombasa to Eldoret and Kisumu, as well as charter services in line with its strategic growth plan.

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According to a July 2020 IATA Study, travelers are seeking ways to feel more comfortable about flying again. This has led to increased accountability for airlines to ensure passenger confidence.

Julius Thairu, Chief Commercial and Customer Officer at Kenya Airways says that Economy Max will meet the evolving needs of travelers during the pandemic by offering the ability to purchase an empty seat or row next to them. “The world we live in has changed. As an airline, we continue to adapt to the evolving needs of our customers as we recover from the effects of the pandemic. Economy Max puts passengers in control of their experience and ensures that our customers have a choice as they enjoy their privacy with additional space to themselves. Economy Max is a continuation of KQ’S diversification and innovation to provide relevant products and services to our customers to improve the overall experience of their travels with us.” said Thairu.

Passengers can purchase Economy Max seats online and pay via credit card. Once purchased, a confirmation email will be sent to them with information about their flight and seat allocation.

Julius Thairu, Chief Commercial and Customer Officer at Kenya Airways says that Economy Max will meet the evolving needs of travelers during the pandemic by offering the ability to purchase an empty seat or row next to them. “The world we live in has changed. As an airline, we continue to adapt to the evolving needs of our customers as we recover from the effects of the pandemic. Economy Max puts passengers in control of their experience and ensures that our customers have a choice as they enjoy their privacy with additional space to themselves. Economy Max is a continuation of KQ’S diversification and innovation to provide relevant products and services to our customers to improve the overall experience of their travels with us.” said Thairu.

Passengers can purchase Economy Max seats online and pay via credit card. Once purchased, a confirmation email will be sent to them with information about their flight and seat allocation.

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