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ITB Berlin 2025 Highlights Ambitious Growth Plans for African Aviation and Hospitality ITB Berlin 2025 Highlights Ambitious Growth Plans for African Aviation and Hospitality

The recently concluded ITB Berlin 2025, held from March 4-6, showcased Africa’s growing prominence in the global travel and tourism industry. Key players in African aviation and hospitality unveiled bold expansion strategies, signaling a strong momentum for the continent’s tourism and business travel sectors. From Air Botswana’s regional route expansion to Sunbird Hotels’ infrastructure investments and Discover Airlines’ new Seychelles flights, the event underscored Africa’s potential as a dynamic travel destination.

Air Botswana Expands Regional Connectivity

Air Botswana, fresh off the completion of its re-fleet program, announced exciting developments aimed at enhancing regional connectivity. The airline has added three new aircraft to its fleet—one Embraer 175 and two Embraer 145s—to support its growing network. Speaking at ITB Berlin, CEO Lulu Rasebotsa highlighted the success of the airline’s recently launched direct routes from Gaborone to Windhoek and Gaborone to Durban, which debuted in November 2024. “The uptake has been quite promising, very exciting in both markets,” Rasebotsa noted, emphasizing the enthusiasm from the tourism sectors in Namibia and South Africa.

Looking ahead, Air Botswana plans to connect key tourism hotspots in the region. New routes under consideration include Windhoek to Maun for access to the Okavango Delta, Cape Town to Maun, and Cape Town to Kasane for the Chobe National Park. Domestically, the airline is increasing flight frequencies to Francistown, Maun, and Kasane, ensuring improved connectivity for both tourists and residents. With Botswana’s strategic location in the heart of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), Air Botswana is positioning itself as a key player in the region’s aviation landscape.

Sunbird Hotels Group Invests in Infrastructure

Malawi’s Sunbird Hotels Group revealed ambitious plans to expand its hospitality offerings in 2025. Temwa Kanjadza, Head of Sales, Marketing & Distribution, announced the addition of 120 new rooms across key properties. This includes 60 new rooms at the group’s Salima properties and another 60 at the Sunbird Coppola property in southern Malawi. Additionally, the Sunbird Zuzu Hotel will see the addition of 10 luxury suites.

A major highlight for the group is the launch of the Sunbird International Conference Center in Salima, designed to cater to both leisure and corporate travelers. “These developments will enhance the customer experience, especially for conference delegates and guests at our lakeside resorts,” Kanjadza explained. The investments reflect Sunbird’s commitment to elevating Malawi’s hospitality sector and attracting both regional and international visitors.

Discover Airlines Launches Seychelles Flights

German carrier Discover Airlines is set to expand its footprint in the Indian Ocean with the launch of direct flights to the Seychelles on October 22, 2025. Marco Gotz, Chief Commercial Officer, described Seychelles as a “small diamond niche” with growing demand from German-speaking markets. The airline will operate two weekly flights during Europe’s winter season, offering seamless connections to Seychelles’ luxury resorts and pristine beaches.

Discover Airlines’ Seychelles operation will complement its existing Mauritius routes, creating a dual-destination offering for European travelers. With strong interest from European tour operators, the airline aims to tap into the high-end tourism market, further boosting Seychelles’ appeal as a premier destination.

Africa’s Tourism Industry Gains Momentum

The insights shared at ITB Berlin 2025 highlight a positive trajectory for Africa’s tourism and travel sectors. Airlines like Air Botswana are enhancing regional connectivity, while hotel groups such as Sunbird Hotels are investing in infrastructure to meet growing demand. Meanwhile, international carriers like Discover Airlines are recognizing Africa’s potential as a luxury travel destination.

For African travel agents, these developments present exciting opportunities to promote new routes, destinations, and hospitality offerings. As the continent continues to attract investment and expand its tourism infrastructure, the outlook for Africa’s travel industry remains highly promising. ITB Berlin 2025 has once again demonstrated that Africa is not only a key player in global tourism but also a region poised for sustained growth and innovation.