Every month, we’re keeping an eye on the stories shaping how Africa welcomes, moves and engages travellers.
Here are some of the conversations that caught our attention this month.
Tanzania’s New $44 Travel Insurance Rule Takes Effect
From October 1, 2026, foreign visitors entering Mainland Tanzania are required to have inbound travel insurance, with the mandatory policy priced at US$44. The policy applies to visitors arriving by air, sea or land and can be purchased before travel or at the point of entry.
The rule is however exempt for citizens of East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) partner states. For hotels, tour operators and travel planners, the change adds another important detail to communicate to guests before they arrive.
Read the full story → Read more on Tanzania’s new travel insurance requirement
“Hapa Ni Wapi?” Puts Northern Kenya in the Spotlight
Image Credit: Kenya Tourism Board Official X Page
Kenya Tourism Board launched its “Hapa Ni Wapi?” Sales Conversion Campaign in Samburu, targeting domestic travellers and aiming to drive more bookings and bed-nights to lesser-explored destinations, beginning with Northern Kenya. The campaign has a target of 5.6 million bed-nights.
The bigger story is about destination diversification: getting travellers to look beyond Kenya’s most established tourism circuits and discover what else the country has to offer.
Read the full story → Explore the Hapa Ni Wapi campaign
Banyan Group Makes a Major Move Into African Hospitality
Image Credit: Banyan Group
Banyan Group agreed to acquire a 70% stake in Newmark Hotels & Reserves, bringing 26 hotels, lodges and private game reserves across Africa into its portfolio. The deal is valued at approximately ZAR756 million (about US$47 million), with a path toward full ownership.
The deal is another signal of the growing interest in Africa's safari, lodge and luxury hospitality market, and the increasing role of international hospitality groups in the continent's tourism ecosystem.
Read the full story → Read the Banyan–Newmark story
Uber Safari Meets Resistance in Kenya
Image Credits: Uber Kenya
Uber's Safari offering in Kenya has faced resistance from some tour operators and guides since its launch, with concerns around safety, licensing, competition and the role of established safari professionals. Uber has since removed its branding from safari vehicles and says it is focusing on licensed guides and approved 4x4 vehicles.
The story raises a much bigger industry question: how can technology make tourism more accessible without disrupting the people and systems that already make the experience work?
Read the full story → Read the full Uber Safari story
AI Is Starting to Send Travellers Directly to Tour Operators
AI isn't just helping travellers plan trips anymore. Tour operators are increasingly reporting enquiries that appear to have come directly from AI recommendations. A September Tourism Update poll found that 45% of respondents said their businesses were receiving enquiries that appeared to originate from AI recommendations, while 28% were unsure.
For hospitality and tourism businesses, this could mean another shift in how travellers discover where to stay, what to do and who to book with.
Read the full story → Read about AI-driven travel referrals
Stay in the know.
We'll keep bringing you the stories, trends and conversations shaping African hospitality and tourism, so you don't have to search for them yourself.
