Addis Ababa — A number one Kenyan aviation professional has referred to as for sweeping reforms throughout Africa’s journey and aviation sectors, arguing that visa-free entry and open skies are important to unlocking the continent’s huge tourism potential.
Talking to ENA on the sidelines of the IATA Focus Africa Convention in Addis Ababa, Charles Gakuu emphasised the pressing want for stronger regional air connectivity and coverage alignment amongst African nations.
Gakuu, Managing Director of the Air Journey and Associated Research Centre in Nairobi, pointed to current enhancements in regional air hyperlinks, highlighting the rising community of Ethiopian Airways as a mannequin for the continent.
“We have to have open connectivity. I used to be very pleased yesterday to catch a flight from Mombasa to Addis on Ethiopian Airways. That was by no means there,” he mentioned.
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He praised the airline’s increasing international attain, noting its connections throughout a number of continents.
“I need to commend Ethiopian Airways, initially, for the trouble that they’ve made to unfold the wings all around the world. I see Addis-Sao Paulo, I see Addis-Chicago, I see Addis-Washington, and so forth. On the opposite aspect, Milan. It is extremely good. It is excellent for air connectivity.”
Regardless of these good points, Gakuu burdened that broader structural reforms are wanted to completely understand Africa’s aviation and tourism potential.
“The initially is to have a visa-free continent. It doesn’t make sense that I require a visa to go to my neighbor,” he mentioned, pointing to integration fashions such because the European Union and the Schengen Space as examples price emulating.
He added that liberalizing airspace throughout the continent is equally crucial. “The second factor that it’s essential to do is, in fact, to open up the skies.”
Reflecting on his first go to to Addis Ababa within the early Nineteen Nineties, Gakuu famous the town’s dramatic transformation over the previous three many years.
“I am very, very delighted to see that in 30 years you’ve got an electrical practice, you’ve got enormous freeways, and the numbers have grown, populations have grown,” he mentioned, recalling a time when landmarks such because the Ghion Lodge and the Hilton Addis Ababa dominated the skyline.
He additionally counseled Ethiopian Airways for extending its affect past aviation into hospitality, citing investments in high-quality lodging for transit passengers.
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“Ethiopian Airways have taken lead in that, and never simply with aviation, but additionally in correct high quality five-star accommodations the place transit passengers can be capable of have a relaxation. And that’s income for the airline, and naturally income for the nation,” he mentioned.
Gakuu highlighted Ethiopia’s visa-free entry for Kenyan vacationers as a constructive instance of regional cooperation.
“I believe it’s only Kenyans and another nationality that do not require a visa to get to Ethiopia. And we’re very proud of that privilege,” he famous.
Describing his arrival expertise, he added, “After I got here in, no questions requested. I simply acquired my passport stamped, and in 5 minutes I used to be right here.”
He concluded with optimism about Ethiopia’s future, pointing to its hospitality sector and rising infrastructure.
“I am certain with the hospitality of the individuals, of the Ethiopians, there isn’t any doubt that transferring ahead you are going to construct additionally your tourism business, Ethiopia’s aviation business. It is good to see so many accommodations arising. I noticed Radisson Blu Lodge Addis Ababa, and plenty of extra.”
