Travel News Digest, May 31: Tanzanian tourism industry on the up, OR Tambo is Africa’s busiest airport, and more

This week in travel news, South African airline FlySafair is in hot water with competitors over its ownership structure. Meanwhile, Egypt and Tanzania now have tourism industries primed for growth and the IUCN has set up a new training centre for wildlife rangers in Zambia. Read on to learn more.

Travel News

FlySafair ownership under investigation for allegedly breaching licensing conditions.

Multiple rivals of FlySafair claim that the airline’s predominant ownership by foreign investors violates the Air Services Licensing Act, granting the company an unfair edge in the market.

World Economic Forum applauds Tanzania and Egypt tourism industries.

According to the 2024 Travel and Tourism Development Index by the World Economic Forum (WEF), Tanzania and Egypt are highlighted as two of the most significantly enhanced countries in terms of facilitating tourism and travel development. Tanzania ascended eight positions in the index, now standing at 81st place, while Egypt climbed five spots to reach 61st place.

Aviation News

OR Tambo International is still Africa’s busiest airport.

Data sourced from flightsfrom.com reveals that OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg holds the title of Africa’s busiest airport, boasting an average of 252 scheduled departures per day. Globally, it ranks as the 97th busiest airport.

Conservation News

IUCN launches new wildlife conservation training facility in Zambia.

The Eastern and Southern African Regional Office (ESARO) of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has inaugurated the Training Facility for Wildlife Rangers and TFCA Managers, in collaboration with the German government. The initiative seeks to deliver tailored, job-oriented training for wildlife rangers and managers of Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCAs) within targeted conservation zones, emphasising transboundary conservation management.

Western Cape Environmental Education Friends announces competition for grade 6 to 9 learners.

The Big Biodiversity Challenge, as stated by SANParks, aims to “motivate and equip the upcoming generation of environmental stewards to safeguard biodiversity”. Participants are tasked with presenting projects that propose remedies to challenges confronting biodiversity, spanning scientific endeavours, creative arts, or social initiatives.

Motoring News

Electric car sales on the up in South Africa.

As per the quarterly review by the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa, sales of new energy vehicles (NEVs) surged by 83% year-on-year. The report indicates that 3,042 NEVs were sold from January to March 2024, in contrast to 1,665 vehicles sold during the corresponding period in the previous year.

South Africans pay over 100% more for fuel than they did four years ago.

BusinessTech’s analysis reveals that between May 2020 and May 2024, the cost of unleaded 93 petrol surged by 119%. Similarly, diesel prices experienced a rise of nearly 100% during the same timeframe.

BMW South Africa updates 3 Series range. 

The manufacturer has announced that the upcoming G20 3 Series will undergo a second facelift within two years, introducing fresh paint color selections, updated wheel designs, and chassis enhancements aimed at delivering a “significant boost in comfort across various driving scenarios”. Additionally, the availability of the BMW M3 Touring for the South African market has been confirmed.

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