This week starting 7th Dec.2020, we bring you our fresh new weekly Top Ten (10) digest for the most important things in Uganda’s Tourism, the world of Aviation and Travel that are trending and worth giving a mind especially in this post COVID-19 Era. As always, at Guide2Uganda, we always endeavor bringing you top highlights that make News rounds all through from start of the week. Below is our Weekly Newsletter for your readership.
01. New Czech Republic consulate in Kampala set to strengthen relations with Uganda
In a bid to promote trade, investment, political, social and cultural relations, the government of Czech Republic has formally opened a new consulate in Uganda. The new consul to Kampala is Mr. Stephen Mpuuga Kaboyo.
Earlier on last week, Mr. Stephen presented his credentials to the state minister for international affairs Hon. Henry Oryem Okello during a colorful ceremony held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kampala. The ceremony was also attended by Czech Republic’s Head of Mission in Nairobi, Ambassador Martin Klepetko.
02. Airlines to brief relief if slot rules are eased
The Worldwide Airport Slot Board (WASB), comprising Airports Council International (ACI World), the International Air Transport Association (IATA), and the Worldwide Airport Coordinators Group (WWACG) released a joint recommendation for airport slot use relief for the northern summer 2021 season.
The organizations called on regulators worldwide to temporarily adopt more flexible slot rules in line with the recommendation as quickly as possible in order to preserve essential air transport connectivity.
As a result of the collapse in demand from the COVID-19 crisis, some 65% of direct city pair connections vanished in the first quarter of 2020. Slot-regulated airports serve almost half of all passengers and are the backbone of the global scheduled airline network. But recovery is impossible while there is no certainty on the rules governing the use and retention of airport slots.
03. Uganda Airlines flys back to Mombasa
Uganda airlines resumed its flights to the Kenyan town of Mombasa on Friday 4th December 2020. The Uganda national carrier said flights to Mombasa will be programmed tri-weekly- every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday.
The revelation comes as part of the phased relaunch to routes earlier operated by the airline before suspension of operations in March due to Covid-19 pandemic.
Speaking about the relaunch, Uganda airlines country manager Peggy Macharia said the one-hour 50-minute trip targets traders who depend on the port of Mombasa to do business, as well tourists patronising the coastal paradise.
The final winners of Nile Special’s tourism campaign dubbed My Uganda My Nile enjoyed great views, relaxing breezes and many memorable moments while experiencing island life in Ssese over the weekend.
As the saying goes, the best is always saved for last and it was exactly the same with the final trip which saw winners engage in activities like pedaling on Lake Victoria, taking nature walks in the chilly forests on the island and jet skiing among others.
Waking up to watch the sunrise, breakfast on the lakeside and the charming accommodation at Brovad Sands Lodge were also a great add to the experience.
05. No more new UAE Visas: Citizens stopped from accessing UAE
Current travel information reaching our desk from Dubai indicates that that United Arab Emirates has put on hold issuing new visas to citizens of 13 mostly Muslim-majority countries, including Iran, Syria, Afghanistan and Pakistan, according to a document issued by a state-owned business park.
A close source revealed that UAE Visas had temporarily been halted for issue to Afghans, Pakistanis and citizens of several other countries over security concerns, but did not provide details of those concerns.
06. US visitors from developing nations to pay thousands in visa bonds
The United States will temporarily require visitors from Iran, Myanmar and a number of African nations to pay up to $15,000 in visa bonds in a new hardline immigration measure enacted late in Donald Trump’s presidency.
The rule takes effect December 24 for a duration of six months, although it remains to be seen if it will be maintained by President-elect Joe Biden, who takes office on January 20 and has promised to be more welcoming to the rest of the world.
The pilot program is designed to make up the costs to the US government of deporting foreigners who overstay their visas, according to a notice published Tuesday in the Federal Register by Carl Risch, the assistant secretary of state for consular affairs.
07. Entebbe Airport opens New terminal extension for passengers
With the number of travelers and International travel slowly improve, Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), an authority in charge of Entebbe airport has opened part of the first floor of the new terminal building to facilitate departing passengers with adequate space at the check-in counters while observing the necessary Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) set to combat Covid-19.
This was communicated by Ag Director-General UCAA Mr Fred Bamwesigye- during a media tour of the completed passenger facilities at Entebbe International Airport over the weekend.
08. UWA subsidizes entrance fees to tourist sites amidst festive season
In a bid to attract more visitors during the festive season, the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has reduced on entrances dues for accessing tourist sites.
In a letter from UWA earlier published, the authority stressed out that they would be running seasonal offers to the general public.
“As Uganda continues to manage the impacts of COVID19 and welcome visitors to the various destinations around the country, Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) is pleased to inform the general public that it will be running a festive season price discount,” reads a statement from the office of the executive director of UWA.
09. Emirates Airline is making winter getaways to Dubai more attractive
Emirates Airline is making winter getaways to Dubai even more attractive with a complimentary stay at the JW Marriot Marquis Dubai, one of the world’s tallest 5-star hotels. The skyscraper hotel features award-winning dining options, its own shopping galleria and a world-renowned spa as it’s conveniently located near attractions like the Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Opera.
Customers who book return Economy tickets to Dubai from 2 to 23December for travel from 6 Dec 2020 to 28 Feb 2021 will be eligible for a complimentary one-night stay at the JW Marriot Marquis on their first night in Dubai. While travelers booked in First and Business Class will receive two complimentary nights’ stay from the day of arrival.
10. New Digital Travel Pass hailed as the best hope yet for Aviation Boot up
IATA’s new digital health pass set for Q1 2021 is designed to pull airlines out of their stalls
The aviation industry’s leading trade group has said it is in the final stages of developing a new digital health pass which it claims will help to reopen borders and allow airlines to kick-start trading.
The International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) Travel Pass, slated to launch in Q1 of 2021, will manage and verify the secure flow of necessary testing or vaccine information among governments, airlines, laboratories and travelers, the group said.
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