Author: Chukwu Godlove
A new tourism levy that was introduced recently by the government is set to benefit the sector, Godfrey Kabera, Minister of State for National Treasury at the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, has said. The new tourism levy, which introduces a 3 per cent tax on accommodation services (excluding VAT), applies to hotels, motels, lodges, apartments, and Airbnb facilities. Once enacted, all accommodation businesses will be required to register for the tax and remit payments monthly. Following Parliament’s approval of the draft law’s relevance on March 19, the government is now set to finalize its details and implementation strategy…
The enchanting world of astro-tourism offers travellers the opportunity to broaden their knowledge of the universe as they explore the beautiful night sky. From seasoned stargazers to those who are simply curious, astro-tourism is often enriching and worthwhile to many. Picture: Unsplash/Rahul Bhosale Here are a few things to consider for a memorable astro-tourism experience: Location Selecting the perfect location can enhance your overall experience. Choose a place with minimal light pollution. Remote mountains, national parks and designated dark sky reserves are ideal for astro-tourism. Proper planning Planning is crucial. If you intend to visit a popular astro-tourism destination, book…
Transcorp Hotels Plc, the hospitality subsidiary of Transcorp Group has been awarded “Hospitality Company of the Year 2024” at the Independent Newspapers Awards. In a statement, the organisers noted that the award is in recognition of the transformation that the Transcorp brand has undergone over the years, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. “Such feat has come through deliberate asset renewal, planning and reinvesting that has ensured that the company is not only able to grow revenue sustainably but also remains profitable to the admiration of shareholders and other stakeholders,” a letter signed by Independent Newspaper’s Editor-in-Chief, Steve Omanufeme said. The…
Image: Facebook / DRONE FANATICS SA A heartbreaking incident unfolded at Hartenbos Beach in Mossel Bay, where a beaked whale was found stranded on the shore, sparking immediate rescue efforts from concerned bystanders and marine enthusiasts. Despite attempts to guide the animal back into the ocean, the whale repeatedly returned to the beach, leading to the difficult decision to euthanise it. The stranded whale was identified as a member of the elusive beaked whale family, known for their deep-diving habits and preference for remote ocean waters. These marine mammals are notoriously difficult to study due to their rare surfacing behaviour…
Travelers to the US are being reminded of the serious consequences of overstaying their visa, with officials warning that violators could face a permanent ban from re-entering the country. According to U.S. immigration authorities, consular officers have full access to an individual’s immigration history and can detect past violations, making it nearly impossible to evade penalties for overstaying. Officials emphasised that there is no leniency for those who claim ignorance of visa regulations, as travelers are responsible for complying with the terms of their stay. “If you overstay your U.S. visa, you could face a permanent ban on traveling to…
If there’s one thing we can say with absolute certainty, it’s that Kruger National Park is a year-round safari destination. With each season bringing something different to the table, there really is no “bad” time to visit. But here’s the thing – when you go should depend on what kind of experience you want. Every season offers something special on a Kruger safariA Safari Suited for YouDo you want prime Big 5 sightings? Or maybe lush landscapes and bustling birdlife? Are you looking for budget-friendly travel or exclusive peak-season game viewing? No matter what you’re after, each season in Kruger offers…
Following months of bureaucratic red tape and back-and-forths with Stellenbosch Municipality, beloved Dorp Street Sunday Market is bidding its final farewell – for now, reports Cape {town} Etc. Taking to its social media platforms on Tuesday, 18 March, the Dorp Street Market team delivered its announcement ‘with great sadness’, adding that ‘the constant red tape and obstacles have made it clear to [them] that the market is not welcome here.’ ’As you may recall, we announced our return in December 2024, but unfortunately, we have faced numerous challenges since then,’ said the organizers. Picture: Sourced ‘Despite getting our application approved three…
Nairobi Kenya — The High Court has extended interim orders suspending the Communications Authority of Kenya’s (CA) directive requiring travelers entering Kenya to declare the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers of their mobile devices upon phone entry into the country. The court will deliver the judgment on July 4, 2025. “Update: Orders extended; judgment to be delivered on 4 July 2025. The Court extended interim orders till judgment is delivered on 4 July 2025,” read a statement by Katiba Institute. This follows the Katiba Institute legal team on March 21, 2025, appearing before Justice Chacha Mwita to highlight submissions…
Travelling is an exciting and worthwhile experience. However, packing efficiently can often feel like a daunting task. Whether you are heading out for a short getaway or a long-term trip, maximizing your luggage space is essential and beneficial. Picture: Unsplash/ Kateryna Hliznitsova Here are some useful hacks to help you make the most of you luggage space: Roll your clothes Rolling your clothes is a highly effective packing technique. It not only saves time but also enhances the organization within your luggage. Plus, it reduces wrinkles. Roll garments tightly to create a compact bundle that can fit into the nooks…
The long-awaited reopening of Mzuzu and Karonga airports is just three weeks away, marking a significant milestone for northern Malawi. Deputy Minister of Transport Steven Malondera confirmed the exciting news during an inspection of Karonga airport, emphasizing the transformative impact this move will have on mining, agriculture, and tourism in the region. Karonga Airport, which last handled domestic flights in 2010, will now play a key role in supporting operations at Kayelekera Uranium Mine and other mining ventures, making it easier to transport equipment and personnel. Malondera highlighted the airport’s potential to drive economic growth, saying, “This facility will be…