Travel And Tourism Associations Come Together To Discuss The Impact of COVID-19 And Mitigating Measures To Survive The Crisis
The Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) and various other associations under the umbrella body Kenya Tourism Federation (KTF) came together through a webinar to discuss measures of business survival during and after the COVID-19 crisis.
The associations explored the continuous devastating impact on the industry in finance, human resource and business continuity and ways of emerging from the crisis stronger.
KTF Chairman Mr. Mohammed Hersi noted that the longer the disease lasts, the longer it will take to revive the industry and the economy at large.
Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) for Tourism and Wildlife Mr. Joseph Boinett, who was also in attendance, urged the travel and tourism industry players to pull together as the world seeks ways of getting rid of the highly contagious virus. “The post COVID-19 world will be new and different,” he pointed out.
KATA Chief Executive Officer Ms. Agnes Mucuha pointed out that the travel trade is hedged on transport and for it to thrive, international borders need to open up.
Local Carrier Jambojet Appoints Karanja Ndegwa As New Acting Managing Director
Jambojet has a new Managing Director, Mr Karanja Ndegwa, who is also the airline’s Chief Financial Officer.
He takes over in an acting capacity from Mr. Allan Kilavuka who was appointed Kenya Airways Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director in February this year.
Jambojet Board of Directors announced on Monday that Mr. Ndegwa will take up the role from Friday April 30, 2020.
Jambojet Board Chairman Mr. Vincent Rague thanked Mr Kilavuka for his dedication in serving the local airline as he welcomed Ndegwa into his new role.
The Kenya Association of Travel Agents congratulated Mr Ndegwa and wished him success especially now that the travel and aviation industry is grappling with the effects of the highly contagious COVID-19.
“His appointment is a clear indication of the confidence that the Jambojet leadership and the whole travel industry has in him. This stamps his exemplary service to the airline over the years. KATA will continue to support the new leadership and we are confident the partnership that has existed between our two organisations will continue to thrive as we strive to boost the growth of travel in Kenya”, KATA Chairman Mr Mohammed Wanyoike said.
Sebastian Mikosz To Join IATA
Geneva – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that Sebastian Mikosz will join IATA as the Association’s Senior Vice President for Member and External Relations, effective 1 June 2020.
Most recently, Mikosz was Group Managing Director and CEO of Kenya Airways (2017-2019), during which time he served on the IATA Board of Governors. Prior to that he was the CEO of LOT Polish Airlines (2009-2011 and 2013-2015) and the CEO of Poland’s largest online travel agency, the eSKY Group (2015-2017).
At IATA, Mikosz will lead the organization’s global advocacy activities and aero-political policy development, along with managing the association’s strategic relationships. This includes IATA’s 290 member airlines as well as governments, international organizations and stakeholders in both the private and public sectors. Mikosz will report to the Director General and CEO and join the Association’s Strategic Leadership Team. He replaces Paul Steele, who retired from IATA in October 2019. Brian Pearce, IATA’s Chief Economist has been handling the duties of this post on an ad interim basis since then.
“Sebastian brings with him a wealth of experience in the public and private sectors that will be critical in advancing the global aviation industry’s advocacy agenda. At this time of unprecedented crisis, the airline industry needs a strong voice. We must restore the confidence of governments and travelers so that aviation can re-start, lead an economic recovery, and connect the world. Sebastian’s experience in launching and turning-around companies will be invaluable in helping IATA meet the expectations of our members, governments and stakeholders,” said Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s Director General and CEO.
Emirates Reaffirms Customer Commitment With Ramp Up of Refunds Capability
Dubai, UAE, 26 April 2020 – Emirates has ramped up its capability to process refunds, reaffirming its commitment to customers and travel trade partners impacted by travel disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
With nearly half a million refund requests pending to manage, the airline has taken proactive steps to restructure its backend procedures and boost resourcing to accelerate the processing of refunds. Pre-pandemic, Emirates processed an average of 35,000 refund requests in a month. Now it is gearing up to handle 150,000 per month, and aims to clear its current backlog by early August.
Sir Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline said: “It is a difficult time for us, as it is for all airlines. We are dipping into our cash reserves by being proactive in processing refunds, but it is our duty and responsibility. We would like to assure our customers and trade partners that we will honour refunds, and that we are doing our best to speed things up.
“The situation was dynamic in the early weeks of the pandemic, but we have since re-written our COVID-19 waiver policy into a simple, globally-applied approach that puts customers first. We’ve also proactively contacted those of our customers who had submitted earlier requests for refunds or booking changes, to let them know of the new options available to them.
“We sincerely hope that our customers and trade partners will choose to book and fly with Emirates again at a later time. For those who have opted to hold their tickets or exchange it for travel vouchers, we look forward to welcoming you on our flights again soon. Announcements will be made whenever we are able to resume services.”
For Travel updates due to Coronavirus-19 visit
https://katakenya.org/corona-