Author: Tuhin Sarkar

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TRAVEL TECHNOLOGY NEWS

Skyscanner releases Travel in Focus Report

Skyscanner releases its Travel in Focus Report, which shares that budget-conscious travellers in India are embracing travel with an open mind to score more affordable getaways. With insights from Skyscanner’s proprietary search and booking data, and consumer behaviour study, this report uncovers key travel behaviours in India. 

Data from the report highlights that Indians are savvy travellers (47%) who are flexible to switch their itineraries, when presented with better travel deals. When it comes to international holidays, Indians are also willing to pick a destination that is less expensive to travel to (35%) or travel at a different time of year (33%). This is in spite of the fact that Indian travellers are in fact, big planners, with 72% of respondents preferring to thoroughly plan their trips – further cementing how Indian travellers are seeking that sweet spot of travel and value for their holidays.

Commenting on the findings, Mohit Joshi, Skyscanner Travel Trends and Destination Expert said, “While the way we travel has no doubt changed in the last few years, the desire for a getaway is still very much there. Skyscanner makes it possible for travellers to explore the world within their budget, with its cross-market comparison and transparency of prices on its platform. An easy hack to hit that sweet spot, is to use our ‘Everywhere’ search tool, where destinations are recommended based on the traveller’s location, ranked by price. That way you get to explore, without breaking the bank.”

Other key survey findings: 

·       Chasing Cricket:  Cricket holds a special place in the heart of Indians. Around 75% say that they are willing to increase their travel budget to experience live cricket matches. With the upcoming 2023 Cricket World Cup held in India, there is already a 46% spike1 in searches from within India to Ahmedabad, one of the host cities, for October this year. Despite strong demand, prices on Skyscanner reveal that flights to Ahmedabad from Mumbai are 36%2 lower for the month of June 2023, compared to June 2022. 

·       Slow Travelling Gurus: In 2023, Indian travellers are taking it slow, with more travellers (46%) opting for more immersive travel over of fast-paced travel (40%). Rather than visiting as many places as possible, travellers are looking to spend more time in a single destination, taking their time to immerse themselves in the local culture. According to Skyscanner data, over 38% of Indian travellers spend longer than 1 month on a single-destination trip, including domestic and international destinations, based on redirect data for the year 2023, which is significantly more when compared to travellers in Singapore (3%) and South Korea (8%)3.

·       Purposeful Voyagers: Travellers today are looking to travel with purpose and centre their travel experiences around specific activities. Over half of Indians (55%) are planning purpose-related travel in India to engage in activities such as scuba diving, golf, yoga, or wellness retreats. One in two Indians are also actively planning a visit to holy places in the next 6 months.

For all the travel preferences flagged by Indian travellers as important, Mohit recommends the following hacks that can help bag a bargain quickly:

·       The ‘Whole Month’ search tool allows you to see cheap flights immediately and pick the right deal for you. Consider travelling a day before or a day after your original departure dates, flying on less popular days of the week is always cheaper.

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HOTEL NEWS New Appointment TRAVEL TRENDS AND FOCUS

Wafaifo Resort, Hoi An appoints new stars to redefine its food and beverage offering

A project is underway to redefine preconceived ideas about Vietnamese food, drink and hospitality in central Vietnam’s heritage city of Hoi An.

Owners of the Wafaifo Resort, Hoi An, which is under construction, have appointed former international celebrity chef and food and beverage concept creator Andrew Joyce of B&B Ideas Group, and international Vietnamese designer Le Ha Hoang, of Shape Us, to create a unique series of contemporary food, beverage and lifestyle experiences for the 134-key boutique urban resort.

“The creative brief is to deliver a contemporary Vietnamese take that will make eating, drinking and relaxing at Wafaifo, not just the talk of the town, but of central Vietnam,” says Pieter van der Hoeven, Managing Director of Wafaifo Hospitality.

“We are a proud, modern Hoi An community brand that strongly believes in the de-commodification of the hotel sector. What Andrew and Le Ha are hatching is, I’d say, revolutionary in terms of hospitality in central Vietnam.”

Joyce and Le Ha will give central Vietnamese motifs, products, designs, menus and service standards a contemporary Vietnamese twist and place them at the forefront of the resort’s outlets. These include Swim City pool bar, the DJ booth and all-day dining long bar, the lobby coffee and retail area, the signature Vietnamese restaurant, plus meeting and event spaces.

“While Wafaifo’s restaurant and bars are technically in the hotel, they are being independently designed and attractively priced as unique standalone leisure experiences,” says Joyce.

His company, B&B Ideas, was established in Danang in 2020, drawing on his 18 years and six positions of international F&B leadership and creativity in the Middle East.

“The unique outlets at the Wafaifo will have a design and feel wow factor unlike anything else between Saigon and Hanoi,” he says.

In addition, local products and flavours from central Vietnam will be showcased, such as Vietnamese robusta and arabica coffees from supplier Folliet, chocolates and bonbonerie from Savall’s in Danang, Dong Gia chinaware, and locally-designed and made staff uniforms.

In Le Ha Hoang, Joyce is collaborating with one of Vietnam’s most acclaimed architects. Le Ha will combine over 15 years of lighting design, architectural study and practice in Germany and UK with homegrown experience in Vietnam. His recent projects include interior design for the Vietage Vietnamese luxury train carriage, and the Yugen Japanese cocktail bar and Hanoia concept store, both in Saigon.

“While Hoi An as a heritage city looks backwards,” says Le Ha, “at Wafaifo we are reinterpreting its history in a bold, modern way.”

The Wafaifo Resort, Hoi An, is due to open in July 2024. The resort is a five-minute walk from the UNESCO heritage attractions in the city. Danang international airport is 30 minutes away by car.

Vietnam attracted 3.6 million international tourists in 2022, which is 20% of 2019’s levels. The government is expecting at least eight million international visitors by the end of 2023.

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Mice News Pick News Pick Travel Event News TTW APP NEWS

ITB 360°: ITB launches a new year-round content concept

ITB Berlin is offering the global tourism community even more high-quality themed content in the form of newsroom articles, podcast episodes and other innovative formats.

Every month, ITB 360° devotes itself to another pressing headline topic aimed at attracting the industry’s attention and sparking discussion, including blended travel, LGBTQ+, the skills shortage, travel technology hypes and China’s travel market.

From 5 to 7 March 2024 ITB Berlin will be taking place live again on the Berlin Exhibition Grounds, providing a platform for the entire value chain of the travel industry. With ITB 360°, the World’s Leading B2B Travel Trade Show is hosting a new content concept that provides a year-round platform for the wide range of topics of the global travel and tourism industry. With ITB 360°, ITB Berlin offers the global travel community access to valuable industry knowledge, including interviews with experts, surveys, trends and other insights – and every month covers a new key topic. It incorporates the expertise and knowledge of all the international trade shows of the ITB brand family – including ITB Asia in Singapore, ITB China in Shanghai, ITB India in Mumbai as well as ITB Berlin, together with that of various international industry experts.

“As an internationally established brand with wide-ranging expertise in every tourism segment, ITB sets standards. With ITB 360°, we are pursuing an integrated content concept by offering the travel community outstanding events, expert knowledge, the latest trends and fascinating insights from around the world. By taking this approach we want to further strengthen our position as a global brand and to inspire, educate and inform the tourism community with first-class content throughout the year. Our extensive network of partners and experts enables us, as a platform for the global tourism industry, to begin a new chapter and communicate a comprehensive range of topics“, said Deborah Rothe, Exhibition Director, ITB Berlin.

ITB 360° kicked off in June with blended travel, currently a much talked-about headline topic. Here, ITB Berlin looked at whether bleisure is likely to be a new form of business travel, or whether it is a trend that in future will merely complement traditional holiday trips. A deep dive podcast episode with Euromonitor International examined the statistics behind the trend. Charlotte Lamp Davies, founder of A Bright Approach, and Stephen Dutton of Euromonitor debated whether the trend towards bleisure and workationing is already reflected in numbers, while an interview with Raoul Dery, founder and CEO of the startup Newworkation, looked at workations, an increasingly popular form of travel. He talked about what companies should consider when planning workations and why remote working is not just a passing fad. Click here for the podcast episode Deep Dive: Blended Travel with Euromonitor International and to the ITB Newsroom article with Newworkation: “Remote Work: What companies should consider when planning workations”.

In July, to mark International Pride Month, ITB Berlin will also be looking at LGBTQ+ Tourism. In the podcast episode entitled ’Low Hanging Fruit for entrepreneurship: Tourism’, Pavel Subrt, Co-founder of East meets West, and presenter Charlotte Lamp Davies, founder of A Bright Approach, will among other topics discuss how to successfully tap into the LGBTQ+ market in Eastern Europe.

In a series of brief podcasts entitled ’300 Seconds With’, together with leading industry experts Dirk Rogl, member of the ITB Berlin Board of Experts, will discuss the state of the travel industry. Lydia Li, Exhibition Director of ITB China, will talk about the belated easing of restrictions in China’s travel industry compared with other regions, and how that impacts the global travel industry. She will provide an insight into estimated travel volumes and growth rates for 2023, present Chinese travellers’ preferred destinations abroad, and talk about the importance of the domestic and foreign travel market. Charuta Fadnis, SVP Research Phocuswright, will present the destinations with the highest overall booking rates in 2022 as well as forecasts for 2023 and the years to come, and talk about the winners and losers among the service providers at destinations and in travel markets. Andreas Wulfes, CEO of Neusta Data Intelligence, will talk about overall developments in the German travel market in 2023 and compare them with the pre-pandemic era.

August will be devoted to the skills shortage, a pressing issue that was already an important topic at the ITB Career Center at ITB Berlin 2023. Topics discussed in that month will include how the tourism industry can become more attractive for Generation Z.

Best cases will highlight how companies and institutions can successfully win over young people. As in its June podcasts, and on the subject of the skills shortage and lack of young professionals, ITB Berlin will again pick up on new forms of work. For its Travel Hero Podcast episode, ITB Berlin will be setting up an intriguing blind date with members of Gen Z and older guests who will exchange views on blended travel and share their differing outlooks and experiences.

In September ITB Berlin will take the opportunity to look back on this year’s ITB Berlin Convention and in particular to follow the most important tech trends. Interviews, podcast features and visits to startups and trendsetters are currently scheduled. In addition to the convention and travel tech, the month’s topics will include ITB China, which is taking place in-person again for the first time since the pandemic in September in Shanghai.

Together with the market research organization IPK International, ITB Berlin will be analyzing whether China is back in terms of both inbound and outbound travel. In a deep dive podcast there will also be an interview with a high-profile speaker from the ITB China Conference 2023.

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AMERICA BLOG TRAVEL NEWS

Things to keep in mind when you visit seaweed beaches in Florida

Florida-

Going to the Florida beaches?

While the recent reduction in stinking seaweed along the coast is welcome news for beachgoers, it is still critical to be prepared while visiting seaweed beaches.

The sudden surge of seaweed along the beaches, known as the Great Atlantic Sargassum Seaweed Belt, has generated worries about potential health dangers linked with this natural phenomena. While seaweed is helpful to marine environments in general, large accumulations and breakdown can pose health risks. Here are some essential aspects to consider when it comes to the health dangers posed by the seaweed blob:

Here are a few things to remember to have a nice and pleasurable experience:

Take Precaution on Allergies and Respiratory Concerns

As it decomposes, seaweed emits volatile organic chemicals that might cause respiratory problems in people who are sensitive to them. When exposed to airborne particles from decomposing seaweed, those with allergies or asthma may experience symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and trouble breathing. If you have respiratory problems, you should take the required measures and speak with a healthcare expert.

Precaution on Bacterial Contamination

Accumulations of seaweed can create an ideal habitat for bacterial development. While most bacteria found in seaweed are innocuous, dangerous pathogens such as E. coli or Vibrio species may be present.

Ingestion of polluted water or direct contact with infected seaweed while swimming in impacted regions might result in gastrointestinal disorders. It is critical to practise excellent hygiene, such as fully washing hands after touching seaweed and avoiding swimming in areas with dense seaweed accumulations.

Think about Skin Irritation

When exposed to seaweed, some people may get skin discomfort. The rough texture of the seaweed, as well as the presence of tiny organisms, can produce rashes, itching, and redness. If you have sensitive skin, avoid contact with seaweed and rinse off with fresh water after leaving the beach.

Always think about Sun Exposure and Heat-related Issues

Extensive beach time, especially in hot weather, can raise the risk of sunburn and heat-related disorders. Because of the prevalence of seaweed, it might be difficult to find clean locations to put a towel or beach mat, thus exposing your skin to the sun for lengthy periods of time. To reduce these risks, wear sunscreen, seek shade, and remain hydrated.

Always check for travel updates

Check for any changes or advisories on seaweed conditions before going to the beach. While the seaweed problem has improved, minor clumps can still wash ashore. Stay updated about seaweed conditions by following information from local authorities and beach management organisations.

Take Necessary Preparation to Avoid Weeds

Bring beach staples such as towels, sunscreen, caps, and lots of water. Consider bringing an additional towel or mat to lie on the beach, as certain spots may contain seaweed leftovers. This will keep you comfy and keep you away from any seaweed that may be there.

Always Think about Distress Odour

While the severity of the stinking seaweed has substantially lessened, there may still be a little odour in some spots. Remember that the fragrance might change depending on the weather and the abundance of seaweed on the shore. If you are sensitive to odours, choosing beaches with lower seaweed concentrations may be beneficial.

Noting About the Environment

Seaweed is vital to the environment because it provides food and shelter for a variety of marine species. Take care not to disturb or harm any leftover seaweed on the beach. Walking or playing in huge amounts of seaweed can have an influence on the ecology and disturb natural processes.

Pay Attention towards Government Guidelines

Pay close attention to any seaweed control recommendations or directions issued by beach authorities. They may have particular cleaning and removal methods in place. To guarantee your safety and the preservation of the beach’s natural nature, obey any roped-off sections or signage designating restricted zones.

Need to Stay Hydrated

Time spent at the beach in the sun may be dehydrating. Remember to remain hydrated by drinking lots of water during your visit. This will keep you comfortable and avoid any health problems that may result from prolonged sun and heat exposure.

Enjoy the Scenic Beauty

Despite the abundance of seaweed, Florida’s beaches are beautiful and attractive. Embrace the one-of-a-kind experience and make the most of your beach time. Take in the gorgeous coastline scenery, relax on the warm sand, and listen to the calming sounds of the ocean.

While the seaweed situation has improved, it is still a good idea to be prepared and aware before visiting seaweed beaches. You may enjoy Florida’s coastal beauties while being cognizant of the natural processes that form its beaches if you follow these suggestions and respect the environment.

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News Pick TTW APP NEWS

Helicopter crashes near Mount Everest in Nepal; killing 6 on board

A tragic incident has occurred near Mount Everest in Nepal, as a private commercial helicopter belonging to Manang Air crashed with six people on board, including five Mexican nationals.

The helicopter, bearing tail number NA-MV, had taken off from Surke Airport in the Solukhumbu district en route to Kathmandu.

However, it lost contact at an altitude above 12,000 feet. Officials have confirmed that the helicopter crashed in a hilly terrain in the country’s eastern region, specifically in the Lamjura area of the Likhupike Rural Municipality in the Solukhumbu district.

Local sources have reported that the bodies of five individuals have been found at the crash site, while the search for the sixth person is ongoing. Witnesses heard a loud explosion and saw fire at the crash site, indicating a severe impact. Two helicopters were dispatched earlier to locate the crash site but had to return due to adverse weather conditions.

The exact cause of the crash is currently unknown, and authorities are investigating the incident. The tragic event has caused deep sorrow and condolences for the victims and their families. As the investigation progresses, more information about the crash will likely emerge.

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American Travel News News Pick TTW APP NEWS

Stinky seaweed plagues Florida beaches

Florida-

Florida beachgoers can rejoice as the stinky seaweed problem that plagued the state’s iconic beaches this spring has significantly decreased. The Great Atlantic Sargassum Seaweed Belt, which emitted a foul odour reminiscent of rotten eggs and released toxic gases upon reaching the shore, has shrunk by 75% in the Gulf of Mexico, according to scientists from the University of South Florida’s Optical Oceanography Lab.

During April, the seaweed reached a record-breaking level with scientists identifying 3 million tons of sargassum in the Caribbean Sea. However, last month’s decrease in the Gulf of Mexico exceeded expectations, with very little sargassum found along Florida’s east coast and the Straits of Florida.

Chuanmin Hu, a professor of optical oceanography, stated that such a drastic decrease at this time of year has never occurred in history. Typically, sargassum in Florida starts declining in July and is mostly gone by September. However, Hu predicts that the sargassum season for Florida is likely over for this year.

The seaweed that lands on Florida beaches originates from the Gulf of Mexico and the western Caribbean, but those source regions are also experiencing minimal sargassum. Although small amounts of the seaweed may still wash up on Florida beaches, they are not expected to present significant problems.

The reasons for the decrease in sargassum are complex and influenced by factors such as changes in nutrients, rainfall, and wind conditions. Speculations point to stronger-than-average winds in the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, which may have caused the sargassum to dissipate into smaller clumps or sink to the ocean floor.

While Florida celebrates clean beaches, the eastern Caribbean is likely to continue experiencing significant amounts of sargassum. In June, the seaweed was primarily found around the Lesser Antilles and along the southern coasts of Hispaniola, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico.

Sargassum, a type of brown algae consisting of over 300 species, forms annual blooms in the Atlantic Ocean. In its oceanic habitat, it serves as a food source and habitat for various marine organisms. However, when it accumulates on beaches, it poses problems for humans and other species. The decaying seaweed releases hydrogen sulfide, a toxic gas that can cause respiratory issues. It also contains arsenic, making it hazardous to ingest or use as fertilizer.

Large accumulations of sargassum can create “dead zones” by depleting oxygen levels and destroying nursery habitats for fisheries. Removing the seaweed is a challenging task that can cost millions of dollars, and efforts to remove it must be careful to avoid harming sea turtle eggs.

The decrease in the mass of stinky seaweed is good news for Florida residents and tourists, allowing them to enjoy cleaner and more pleasant beach experiences.

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American Travel News News Pick TTW APP NEWS

New York: State of emergency issued as deadly flooding strikes Northeast

New York state has declared a state of emergency following deadly flooding caused by a slow-moving storm system that dumped over 10 inches of rain in the Northeast on Sunday. Tragically, at least one person has lost their life due to the severe weather conditions.

Orange County in New York’s Hudson Valley region experienced significant impact from the storm. A woman in her mid-30s was killed in Highlands, New York, when she attempted to leave her house with her dog. Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus reported that the victim’s house had been swept away, but her family and the dog were unharmed. Multiple vehicles were also trapped and submerged in floodwaters, and several roads had to be closed due to the rising waters.

The situation worsened as bridges collapsed and roads became impassable, including the Palisades Interstate Parkway. U.S. Highway 6 near Fort Montgomery collapsed, further contributing to the transportation disruption. Highland Falls, a town in Orange County, became inaccessible from major routes due to the flooding.

Alan Mack, the Deputy Commissioner of Orange County, described how floodwaters completely cut off the village of Highland Falls from the surrounding areas.

While water levels have receded slightly, emergency officials have urged people to stay off the roadways until the water fully recedes. The New York State Department of Transportation warned that additional road closures were likely throughout the day due to ongoing flooding.

The state of emergency declaration will enable authorities to mobilise resources and provide assistance to affected communities. It is crucial for residents and travelers to prioritise their safety and follow guidance from emergency officials during this challenging time.

Our thoughts are with those impacted by the devastating flooding, and we hope for a swift recovery for the affected areas.

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TRAVEL TECHNOLOGY NEWS

Agoda reveals breakfast choices of Indian travellers

Agoda, unveils the user preferences of Asian travellers and the choices they make while booking hotels. The insights collected over the past two months reveal that almost half (46%) of the travellers from Taiwan opted for breakfast included, followed closely by Vietnamese (43%), and Indian travellers (42%). On the other end, the statistics found South Korea (29%), Japan (27%), and Malaysia (23%), ranking 8, 9, and 10 respectively on the breakfast requirement popularity table.

When comparing domestic with overseas travel, Agoda noticed travellers on an international trip are more likely to opt for some comfort and peace of mind. 37% of international travellers select the ‘breakfast included’ option on Agoda, compared to 31% of those who stay within country borders. 60% of Indian travellers almost always opt for breakfast-inclusive packages for outbound holidays, with 41% of them choosing to avail this domestically.

“There are lots of factors at play to determine the popularity of including breakfast when booking your accommodation” said Krishna Rathi, Agoda Country Director, India, Sri Lanka, and Maldives. “It’s often the flexibility to decide last-minute depending on your plans during the trip, but it’s well worth noting that if you do plan to start the day with a meal, it’s often most economical to include it during the booking. And at Agoda, anyone that reaches VIP Platinum status automatically qualifies to receive complimentary free breakfast at many accommodations. That way, the only appetite left will be the appetite to travel.”

Going specific with destination analysis, Agoda reveals that including breakfast is quite popular among travellers heading to Vietnam, followed by Taiwan and the Philippines. Conversely, there was less appetite for breakfast buffets in Japan, Malaysia, and Singapore. The least popular destination for including breakfast in hotel reservations was South Korea, where only 1 in 10 travellers opted for the morning meal.

For those who don’t want to miss out on breakfast, there is a ‘Breakfast included’ filter on Agoda.com and in the Agoda app, to quickly find the best deals that will not only provide a good night’s sleep, but also the best way to wake up.

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MICE News MICE NEWS HOME Mice News Pick Travel Event News

IMEX America 2023 powers-up to support exhibitors powering-through

With just over three months to go, registration is now open for the next edition of IMEX America, the award-winning and largest trade show in North America for the global business events industry.

Taking place at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, 17 – 19 October, with Smart Monday, powered by MPI on Monday 16 October, exhibitor appetite for IMEX America this year shows no sign of waning, despite tough economic conditions in some parts of the globe.

As Heather Gough, IMEX Sales Director, explains “We’re experiencing much higher demand for booth space than we had imagined at this point in the show cycle, which gives us the nice challenge of how to fit everyone in, and give them the traction and visibility they need.

“It’s clear that many sectors of our industry have decided to power their way through the next few years. This is also reflected in demand for sponsorships, which has never been higher. Again, it’s a nice problem to have, as it gives both IMEX and our partners the chance to work together to develop fresh sponsorship packages that elevate the show experience for all, and especially for buyers,” adds Gough.

This year’s education and experiential programming features both old favorites and brand-new concepts. A new morning talk show, sponsored by Webex, takes its inspiration from The View (for American audiences) and Graham Norton’s Show (minus the infamous red chair) for UK audiences. Says Tahira Endean, Head of Program, “This is just one example of how we’re responding to what people want more of, which is less formal, more inclusive and more entertaining learning and discussion formats. We’re also bringing in film producers for film-maker workshops and we’ll be running two IMEX Book Clubs where attendees can enjoy an audience with the author.

“Elsewhere we’re still delivering on what’s fundamental and evergreen. Contract negotiations, F&B and Risk Management remain essential to every event planner’s toolkit, hence programming them as just that – a toolkit!” says Endean.

Last year IMEX America attracted over 3300 exhibiting companies from 180 countries and over 4300 buyers. Picking up on current industry themes of belonging, inclusion and partnership and co-operation, this show’s IMEX America focuses on asking people “Are You In?”.

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AFRICA Mice News Pick News Pick TTW APP NEWS

Africa Travel Week hosts webinar spotlighting Pride events as drivers for tourism and change

On 20 June, LoAnn Halden, Vice President of Communications for the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association, moderated an EQUAL Africa, part of Africa Travel Week, webinar on unpacking the importance of Pride events as drivers of tourism and change, especially in the African context.

The webinar’s esteemed panellists included Aisha Shaibu-Lenoir, Queer Activist, Cultural Producer and Founder of Moonlight Experiences; Michael Gladwin, Founder of Afrigay Travel and AllStay LGBTQ+ Education; Rodney Otieno, Co-Founder and Director of Policy Development and Membership for the Queer and Allied Chamber of Commerce Africa; and Nonhlanhla ‘MC’ Mkhize Co-Founder and Executive Director of The Lesbian and Gay Community and Health Centre.

The panellists explored various crucial topics within the LGBTQ+ community, including how Pride events provide that push for countries – and the governments and businesses operating within them – to fully embrace the idea of inclusivity instead of ‘pinkwashing’ once a year in June.

“Pride events, like Durban Pride, are selling the concept of pride as not just a one-day activity, but a year-long campaign and investment,” said Mkhize.

“It’s really important to think beyond the concept of ‘we welcome everyone’. We need to understand why we need to be inclusive and how we need to be inclusive – what we need to do in order to become truly inclusive. We can’t just say we are. We need to action it,” added Gladwin.

The panellists also highlighted the importance of allies in the fight for change, addressing how there’s often a ‘fear factor’ at play amongst many individuals, organisations, and business owners who wish to support the community.

“LGBTQ is a very complex community, and sometimes people get scared. ‘What if I say something wrong? What if I mess up the acronym? Or what if I say something that offends you?’ That fear, again, goes back to education. We need to have open conversations with people who are open to being our allies but don’t understand how to come into our world,” Otieno commented.

Despite the many concerns in countries like Uganda at the moment, it’s true that Africa has taken many great strides towards inclusivity, and each panellist is hopeful for continued progress across the continent in the future. Gladwin noted how much work is being done to bring the World Pride 2028 event and InterPride 2024 Annual General Meeting & World Conference to Cape Town, often seen as Africa’s LGBTQ+ beacon of hope.

“We need to create a global conversation, find the gaps, and find the solutions. Let the conversation begin in Cape Town,” he said.

Shaibu-Lenoir concluded the webinar by reminding everyone of the foundation of these Pride events.

“Anyone who wants to be an authentic ally must understand that queerness has always been political. Pride, in its foundation, is a protest. That needs to lead the way in Africa like it has in so many other countries. Pride is also a wondrous celebration, but we mustn’t forget that, at its core, it’s about change. Things can get better.”