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5 Editing Techniques You Can Use to Make Better Travel Videos

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Traveling opens the world to people and makes unforgettable memories. The pandemic forced many of us to forget about exploring new places for about two years, but when the confinement was over, globe-trotters set off on journeys more enthusiastically. Travelers film eye-catching landscapes, people, events, buildings, and monuments to capture their experiences and share them with the world.

Shooting beautiful scenes has specific rules, and you can easily film a travel video on your smartphone. Many face the main challenge when it comes to editing the video. Professional editors with years of experience in this niche manage editing fast and effectively. But if you are new to editing, you may spend hours and a lot of effort creating your travel video.

There are great tips that facilitate the process and help you achieve incredible results. So let’s find tricks for editing engaging, high-quality travel footage.

5 Top Travel Video Editing Tips 

Want to make an awesome travel video? You may have excellent footage, but it will be useless if you do not know how to create a flawless video. So explore these best editing techniques, and generate memorable travel videos.

#1 Decent Editing Tool 

The first and foremost thing you need for editing an amazing travel video is high-quality editing software. With the right tool in your hands, you will be able to create stunning videos with great effects and transitions without much time and effort. But there are so many editing programs that it’s challenging for an inexperienced editor to choose the proper one.

Fortunately, we outlined the main features of a good editing tool. So firstly, consider there are online and offline editing programs, so select the one you find most suitable for you. Then pay attention to functionalities, and if with the program, you will know how to make a movie trailer, then it definitely has much to offer for professional travel video editing. Check the price before using the trial period, and buy a good tool based on your budget.

#2 Engaging Storyline 

You may get lost in a variety of temples, effects, transitions, and color enhancement, but a storyline is a crucial aspect of a professional travel video. Eye-catching visuals attract viewers, but an engaging storyline touches the audience and leaves a long-lasting effect. But how to tell a story with your travel video? Let’s find what technical aspects help create an interesting narrative.

You should define the purpose of your video and decide what emotions you want to evoke in your viewers. It’ll be great to include much B-roll footage in your video to achieve that. Tell a story of your journey from pieces that build up the whole picture. Your every shot should be connected to the previous one, and give the audience a hint about where you will move further. So take time to prepare a breathtaking travel story and keep it in mind when shooting.

#3 Color Grading and Color Matching

Color grading and color matching are important techniques that will make your travel video look fantastic. Manipulating colors will give your video a unique touch. Raw footage may look dull and with the color grading, you will make your video warmer, reddish, blueish, or whatever you like.

Editing programs have color grading features and can make your video cinematic. Experiment with software functionalities and enhance your video color bringing up exposure, playing with contrast, and saturation.

Color matching helps you grade colors of two or more videos. When you shoot a travel video on a camera and a smartphone, it’s a great solution to make the footage look similar. Video editing programs facilitate the color matching process, and give your videos a professional look.

#4 Captivating Sound Effects

Sound effects can reinforce your video and make it more engaging. Sounds allow viewers to experience your travel through a video. People will feel more attached to what they see with the right sound effects. But how to choose the right sound effects and evoke the desired emotional reaction in your audience?

Using a good editing tool, you can edit video sound within this program. Choose the software with versatile sound effect libraries. You should make your sound editing simple and clear. Experiment with sounds and add effects that suit the scene and make it more engaging. Layering them on top of one another will create the right video ambiance.

#5 Seamless Transitions 

Smooth travel video transitions are your key to success, and no one will know you are a novice video editor. The seamless transitions technique enables you to connect two clips naturally. So if one clip has a camera movement and the other is stable, you can use a transition with a slight movement to add some motion.

Video editing software has rich transition libraries. You can experiment with different options and finally make your travel video perfect. Try such transitions as a standard cut, jump cut, L-cuts, and J-cuts, cross dissolve, and wipe. But keep in mind that overabundance of transitions will play a bad joke with your video.

Another piece of advice is to sync your transitions with the music you apply to your travel video. When a song you use has a new phrase or different rhythm, you can add a transition in that place. You can simply cut from one scene to another or zoom or bland if it looks good.

Conclusion

Travel videos are a popular type of content today. If you decide to create engaging videos featuring your traveling experience, these tips and tricks will help you a lot. We wish you good luck and hope you will impress the audience with your creative, professional video content.

Traveling opens the world to people and makes unforgettable memories. The pandemic forced many of us to forget about exploring new places for about two years, but when the confinement was over, globe-trotters set off on journeys more enthusiastically. Travelers film eye-catching landscapes, people, events, buildings, and monuments to capture their experiences and share them with the world.

Shooting beautiful scenes has specific rules, and you can easily film a travel video on your smartphone. Many face the main challenge when it comes to editing the video. Professional editors with years of experience in this niche manage editing fast and effectively. But if you are new to editing, you may spend hours and a lot of effort creating your travel video.

There are great tips that facilitate the process and help you achieve incredible results. So let’s find tricks for editing engaging, high-quality travel footage.

5 Top Travel Video Editing Tips

Want to make an awesome travel video? You may have excellent footage, but it will be useless if you do not know how to create a flawless video. So explore these best editing techniques, and generate memorable travel videos.

#1 Decent Editing Tool

The first and foremost thing you need for editing an amazing travel video is high-quality editing software. With the right tool in your hands, you will be able to create stunning videos with great effects and transitions without much time and effort. But there are so many editing programs that it’s challenging for an inexperienced editor to choose the proper one.

Fortunately, we outlined the main features of a good editing tool. So firstly, consider there are online and offline editing programs, so select the one you find most suitable for you. Then pay attention to functionalities, and if with the program, you will know how to make a movie trailer, then it definitely has much to offer for professional travel video editing. Check the price before using the trial period, and buy a good tool based on your budget.

#2 Engaging Storyline

You may get lost in a variety of temples, effects, transitions, and color enhancement, but a storyline is a crucial aspect of a professional travel video. Eye-catching visuals attract viewers, but an engaging storyline touches the audience and leaves a long-lasting effect. But how to tell a story with your travel video? Let’s find what technical aspects help create an interesting narrative.

You should define the purpose of your video and decide what emotions you want to evoke in your viewers. It’ll be great to include much B-roll footage in your video to achieve that. Tell a story of your journey from pieces that build up the whole picture. Your every shot should be connected to the previous one, and give the audience a hint about where you will move further. So take time to prepare a breathtaking travel story and keep it in mind when shooting.

#3 Color Grading and Color Matching

Color grading and color matching are important techniques that will make your travel video look fantastic. Manipulating colors will give your video a unique touch. Raw footage may look dull and with the color grading, you will make your video warmer, reddish, blueish, or whatever you like.

Editing programs have color grading features and can make your video cinematic. Experiment with software functionalities and enhance your video color bringing up exposure, playing with contrast, and saturation.

Color matching helps you grade colors of two or more videos. When you shoot a travel video on a camera and a smartphone, it’s a great solution to make the footage look similar. Video editing programs facilitate the color matching process, and give your videos a professional look.

#4 Captivating Sound Effects

Sound effects can reinforce your video and make it more engaging. Sounds allow viewers to experience your travel through a video. People will feel more attached to what they see with the right sound effects. But how to choose the right sound effects and evoke the desired emotional reaction in your audience?

Using a good editing tool, you can edit video sound within this program. Choose the software with versatile sound effect libraries. You should make your sound editing simple and clear. Experiment with sounds and add effects that suit the scene and make it more engaging. Layering them on top of one another will create the right video ambiance.

#5 Seamless Transitions

Smooth travel video transitions are your key to success, and no one will know you are a novice video editor. The seamless transitions technique enables you to connect two clips naturally. So if one clip has a camera movement and the other is stable, you can use a transition with a slight movement to add some motion.

Video editing software has rich transition libraries. You can experiment with different options and finally make your travel video perfect. Try such transitions as a standard cut, jump cut, L-cuts, and J-cuts, cross dissolve, and wipe. But keep in mind that overabundance of transitions will play a bad joke with your video.

Another piece of advice is to sync your transitions with the music you apply to your travel video. When a song you use has a new phrase or different rhythm, you can add a transition in that place. You can simply cut from one scene to another or zoom or bland if it looks good.

Conclusion

Travel videos are a popular type of content today. If you decide to create engaging videos featuring your traveling experience, these tips and tricks will help you a lot. We wish you good luck and hope you will impress the audience with your creative, professional video content.

Must-Do Adventures in Tanzania

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From the incredible views atop Mount Kilimanjaro to the pristine white beaches flanking Zanzibar, Tanzania is tailored for travellers seeking unreal adventures, scenery, and experiences. This East African country is the ultimate destination for couples, families, and solo globetrotters, thanks to its endless list of activities.

Admire the Big Five on safaris, go snorkelling, hiking, biking, swimming, and discover fascinating cities, towns, and villages.

When you’re planning your trip to Tanzania, you’ll want to check off the following attractions.

  • Mount Kilimanjaro 

Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro is a popular bucket list activity. Most trekkers take around five to 10 days to wind their way to Kilimanjaro’s pinnacle! But some travellers may not be interested in spending their vacation on a trekking adventure. Thankfully, you can still bask in Mount Kilimanjaro’s imposing presence without hiking up.

If you still want to admire the snow-capped Kilimanjaro without the time commitment and months of physical training, head to Chemka Hot Springs! The journey here is an adventure on its own. You’ll have to find a tuk-tuk driver from Moshi to take you on the bumpy dirt road to Chemka Hot Springs. En route, you can catch a glimpse of Kilimanjaro if it’s a clear day. Plus, you get to swim in the bright blue, crystal clear hot springs (which are more warm than hot) at the end of your drive.

But if you still want an active adventure around Kilimanjaro without hiking, this unforgettable six-day Kilimanjaro bike tour is made for you! Expect to wind to an array of scenic and rural villages and to get the chance to interact with locals, all while cycling in Kilimanjaro’s intimidating shadow.

  • Safaris 

East Africa is famed for its memorable safaris! It’s almost impossible to go to Tanzania without hopping in a jeep and looking out for the Big Five (lion, elephant, leopard, buffalo, and black rhino). The most popular safari destinations in Tanzania are Serengeti National Park or Ngorongoro Crater.

Prepare for intoxicating sunsets and sunrises and luxurious camping (this is the most popular accommodation on safaris). Just make sure you charge your camera or phone before you go. Oh, and don’t forget binoculars!

  • Zanzibar 

Revel in the fresh sea-salted air swirling off the transparent, postcard-painted waters in Zanzibar. This island is truly a scenic masterpiece! You can easily spend a couple of weeks here without falling into boredom. Spend time walking around Stone Town, where a lively atmosphere and stunning architecture meet to form one remarkable exploration!

Another great activity is to rent a scooter or motorbike and go beach hopping around the island. It’s easy enough to get a permit for the day.

You can also go snorkelling. Several visitors like to flock to the bleach-white beach bar that’s a short boat ride away from the main island. There’s no shade here, so bring a lot of sunscreen. There’s also the 100-year-old giant turtles on Changuu Island, which is another boat ride away.

It can be a lot of work to plan a trip. If you aren’t in the mood or too busy to stitch together the ideal holiday, you may want to look into already-planned adventure tours in Tanzania. Sift through the options and choose one that’s ideal for you, your family, or your partner. And pack your bags, and off you go!

Renting the Toyota Yaris

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Few are the cars that revolutionized the driving game. And among them all, the Toyota Yaris takes the front seat. With its release, this car became a game-changer that didn’t only make urban driving more enjoyable, but it did so with flair. Its liveliness and simplicity make it athletic and nimble, and its exceptional economy means it’s wallet and environmentally friendly as well.

Keep reading to find out how you can rent the Toyota Yaris in the UAE

Toyota Yaris Features & Advantages

Next-level Body Design

Toyota has taken a relook at the styling and given it a much cleaner, more streamlined look. By doing so, the Toyota Yaris’s aerodynamics has been improved, giving it better performance and fuel efficiency.

On the inside, there’s plenty of space for both front and rear passengers and an easy-to-use dashboard. The audio quality of the radio/USB system is superb, and Bluetooth connectivity is available for that critical sat-nav function throughout the UAE.

Power under the hood

The 1.5L, 16-valve engine has more than enough power to keep up with traffic, and the exceptional 20kmpl (roughly 80kmpg) fuel efficiency and 45-liter tank ensure you enjoy the ride without continually checking the fuel gauge.

Safety features

Because of the Hybrid technology, the Yaris is both environmentally sustainable and user-friendly. It includes Vehicle Safety Control technology in addition to Toyota’s standard driver, passenger, and curtain airbags to protect occupants from front and side accidents. This ingenious piece of technology detects lateral skids during cornering and instantaneously compensates by regulating engine output and brake force on each tire, ensuring you always maintain control.

You also get a slew of extra security features, such as:

– Anti-Lock Braking System

– Tire pressure warning system

– Child restraint systems

– Rear parking sensors (depending on the vehicle)

The Toyota Yaris Sedan is one of the most popular vehicles on the market today, with owners looking to reduce their carbon footprint without sacrificing safety or style.

Requirements To Rent The Toyota Yaris In The UAE

Renting the Toyota Yaris requires the same documents as any rented car. For the UAE residents, they’ll need:

– Copy of the passport

– Copy of resident Visa

– Copy of Emirates ID

– UAE driving license

For tourists, the requirements are:

– Copy of the passport

– Copy of the tourist visa

– A US, Canada, EU, GCC, or international driving license

Consider Fast Track as an Option

Fast Track is a popular car rental company in Dubai that offers a wide range of vehicles to suit the needs and preferences of its customers. Choosing to rent a car from Fast Track can offer several advantages, including:

  1. Wide range of vehicles: Fast Track offers a wide range of vehicles to choose from, including luxury cars, sports cars, SUVs, and economy cars. This allows customers to select the best option for their needs and preferences.
  2. Competitive rates: Fast Track offers competitive rates on their car rentals, making it an affordable option for customers. They also offer discounts and special deals to help customers save even more money on their rentals.
  3. Convenience: Fast Track offers delivery and pickup services, which makes it easy for customers to rent a car without having to go to their office. This is especially helpful for customers who are traveling to Dubai for the first time and are not familiar with the area.
  4. Great customer service: Fast Track has a reputation for providing excellent customer service. Their staff is knowledgeable, friendly and willing to help customers with any questions or concerns they may have.
  5. Flexibility: Fast Track offers flexible rental options, including hourly, daily, weekly and monthly rentals, which allows customers to choose the rental plan that best suits their needs.
  6. Reliability: Fast Track has a fleet of well-maintained vehicles, ensuring its customers have a reliable and safe experience on the road.

You can check out their website and browse through their extensive fleet here

Conclusion:

The Toyota Yaris is a great car to rent for a number of reasons. It is a fuel-efficient and reliable vehicle that is perfect for city driving, with a compact size that makes it easy to navigate through traffic and park in tight spaces. Additionally, the Yaris is known for its safety features and low maintenance costs, making it a cost-effective option for renters.

Overall, the Toyota Yaris is an excellent choice for renters looking for a fuel-efficient, reliable, and safe vehicle that offers a comfortable and spacious interior. Its compact size, low maintenance costs, and the reputation of the manufacturer make it a great choice for renters.

Where to Go Gorilla Trekking this Year

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Gorilla Trekking Trip

Gorilla trekking is one of the most captivating wildlife experiences in the world, offering an up-close encounter with one of our closest relatives. This adventure is primarily available in East Africa, where the dense forests and high altitudes provide a perfect habitat for mountain gorillas. In East Africa, gorilla trekking is offered in three countries: Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Each country provides a unique experience, with varying landscapes, gorilla populations, and trekking conditions. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore gorilla trekking in these three East African countries.

Uganda

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

The world known Bwindi Impenetrable Park, located in southwestern Uganda, is the most famous destination for gorilla trekking in the country. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population, with an estimated 459 gorillas.

Trekking Experience

Trekking in Bwindi is challenging due to its steep terrain and dense vegetation. The experience starts early in the morning with a briefing at the park headquarters. Small groups of trekkers, usually limited to eight people, are then assigned to different gorilla families. The trek can last from a few hours to a full day, depending on the location of the gorillas. Once the gorillas are located, visitors are allowed to spend one hour observing and photographing them.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Bwindi for gorilla trekking is during the dry seasons, which run from June to September and December to February. During these periods, the trails are less muddy and easier to navigate.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, located in the Virunga Mountains, is another destination for gorilla trekking in Uganda. The park is smaller than Bwindi but offers a unique experience with its scenic volcanic landscapes.

Trekking Experience

Similar to Bwindi, the trekking experience in Mgahinga begins with a briefing at the park headquarters. Treks can be strenuous due to the high altitudes and rugged terrain. However, the reward of encountering a gorilla family in their natural habitat is well worth the effort.

Best Time to Visit

The best times to visit Mgahinga are the same as Bwindi, during the dry seasons from June to September and December to February.

Rwanda

Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park in northwestern Rwanda is one of the most renowned gorilla trekking destinations in the world. The park is part of the larger Virunga Massif, which spans three countries: Rwanda, Uganda, and the DRC. The Volcanoes Park Rwanda is home to several habituated gorilla families, making it an excellent choice for gorilla trekking.

Trekking Experience

The trekking experience in Volcanoes National Park is well-organized, with a maximum of eight trekkers per gorilla family. The trek begins with a briefing at the park headquarters in Kinigi, where visitors are assigned to different gorilla groups. The duration of the trek varies, but once the gorillas are found, trekkers spend one magical hour with them.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Volcanoes National Park is during the dry seasons from June to September and December to February. During these months, the trails are more manageable, and the weather is more predictable.

DR Congo

Virunga National Park

Virunga National Park, located in the eastern part of the DRC, is one of Africa’s oldest and most diverse national parks. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to a significant population of mountain gorillas. Virunga offers a more adventurous and less crowded gorilla trekking experience compared to Uganda and Rwanda.

Trekking Experience

Gorilla trekking in Virunga starts with a briefing at the park headquarters. Trekkers are then divided into small groups and assigned to different gorilla families. The trek can be challenging due to the park’s rugged terrain and dense forest, but the experience of encountering a gorilla family in such a remote and pristine environment is truly unforgettable.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Virunga National Park is during the dry seasons from June to September and December to February. These periods offer better trekking conditions and a lower risk of heavy rains.

Kahuzi-Biega National Park

Kahuzi-Biega National Park, located in the eastern part of the DRC, offers a unique gorilla trekking experience with its population of eastern lowland gorillas. Although not as well-known as mountain gorillas, eastern lowland gorillas are equally fascinating and offer a different perspective on gorilla trekking.

Trekking Experience

The trekking experience in Kahuzi-Biega is similar to other parks, with a briefing at the park headquarters followed by a guided trek into the forest. Trekkers spend an hour with the gorillas once they are located. The terrain in Kahuzi-Biega is less rugged than in the Virunga Mountains, making it a slightly easier trek.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Kahuzi-Biega is during the dry seasons from June to September and December to February, when the trails are more accessible. 

Conclusion: Gorilla trekking in East Africa offers a unique and unforgettable experience, providing a rare opportunity to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo each offer distinct trekking experiences, with varying landscapes, gorilla populations, and challenges. As one of the most impactful wildlife experiences, gorilla trekking also plays a crucial role in conservation efforts, supporting the protection of these endangered animals and their habitats.

AU Agency Tackles Africa’s Need for Increased Intra-Continental Travel

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On Monday, AviaDev Insight, a podcast covering pressing issues in the African aviation industry, released an episode addressing the need for more intra-African travel and moves that have been made in that direction.

The episode featured Adefunke Adeyemi, the secretary general of African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC), and was recorded at Dakar, Senegal—where AFCAC is headquartered.

Adeyemi, an award-winning aviation professional, spoke on AFCAC’s efforts to promote a liberalised air service market on the continent, as a specialist agency of the African Union (AU).

AFCAC is the executing agency of Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), which Adeyemi described as the aviation equivalent of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Just as AfCTA aims to make Africa the largest trading block in the world, SAATM is designed to make Africa one of the fastest growing aviation markets in the world, if implemented properly.

AFCAC also aims to” ensure enhanced safety, security, environmental protection for the purpose of sustainable aviation across the continent” through the SAATM initiative.

AFCAC, as well as AviaDev host John Howell, believe that SAATM could usher in the “golden age of aviation on the African continent”, as new routes are introduced, air fares are organically reduced, and increased economic returns are generated for African member states.

The agency is collaborating with 5 SAATM ambassadors, industry veterans across AFCAC member states, who are working to:

  • Increase Fifth Freedom penetration across Africa (from the current 15% to 30% by 2025) and “seamlessly move people, goods and services across the continent”.
  • Help cover some areas that AFCAC may not have direct involvement with, specifically in the private sector
  • “Get access at the highest political levels with the right decision makers to unlock SAATM’s implementation”.

The agency launched the Pilot Implementation Programme (PIP) of SAATM on November 22 last year. They now have 19 states, out of the 54 African states, interested in the SAATM PIP—including 4 states which joined after the launch.

The journey started 30-something years ago,” Adeyemi said, giving credit to the Yamoussoukro Declaration of 1988, in which several African states agreed to the principles of air services liberalisation.

11 years later, the Yamoussoukro Decision (YD) was established at the Ivory Coast’s capital city, after which it was named. The YD saw 44 African countries come together to establish a framework for air service market liberalisation.

“The goal of SAATM, as per the Yamoussoukro Decision framework, is to ensure that multiple cities are connected by one flight. Fifth Freedom is the goal of SAATM and so, it’s not just enough to have direct services between city pairs but it’s all about ensuring that we can have points beyond 2 pairs that really facilitate the deep penetration of fifth freedom routes,” Adeyemi shared.

She went on to explain how the agency has grouped the 19 member states into clusters of 3 countries within a corridor. The grouping is based on parameters such as shared trading partners, language commonalities, tourism, business, etc.

For instance, one cluster comprises Kenya and South Africa at either ends of the corridor, with Zambia and/or Namibia in the middle. The clusters can then use the YD compliant air service agreement, which AFCAC shared with them, amongst themselves to negotiate multilateral movement.

Every week, AFCAC spotlights an African state on their website so as to share its strides in civil aviation with the world, and provide a platform for people to engage.

Fifth Freedom and Other Commercial Aviation (De)Regulations

Commercial aviation has 9 Freedoms of the Air which regulate airlines’ operations with respect to foreign countries’ airspaces. These freedoms are granted by the governments after requests from the airlines and subsequent negotiations, except for the First Freedom which is almost universal as it simply allows an airline to fly over a foreign country without landing.

Fifth Freedom is, in simple terms, the ability to carry out connecting flights. The airline would be permitted to carry passengers and cargo from its home country to a second country and then to another country. This is an extension of the Third and Fourth Freedoms which just allow the carrier to carry passengers and cargo to and from its home country.

The European Union (EU) has the most encompassing multilateral agreement. It grants up to the Ninth Freedom rights to member countries, thereby allowing carriers unrestricted ability to operate between or within foreign countries without having to revert to their home countries.

Even in Africa, foreign carriers are servicing connecting routes, through Fifth and Sixth Freedoms, in place of the actual African carriers.

According to Adeyemi, about 70-80% of African connectivity is provided by non-African carriers.

Intra-continental connectivity is definitely something African governments and carriers need to capitalise on in the near future.

There needs to be a shift from just bilateral air service agreements to multilateral agreements and this is what SAATM hopes to directly influence.

Moreso, point to point routes are developed through Fifth Freedom routes because demand from connecting flights is built and people may eventually desire to just go to the connector.

According to AviaDev’s Howell, this is how many airlines have been able to build demand for direct flights to certain destinations and make them economically viable.

Back in 2010, World Bank did a study on how liberalised air transport in Africa would allow for increased air traffic, lower air fares and improved safety in the continent.

Data then revealed that Africa made up 12% of the world’s population, yet only had a 1% share of the global air service market.

Even now, though, the market share has only slightly increased. According to a 2022 Aerotime Hub report, Africa makes up more than 16% of the world’s population and just about 2% global air service market share.

The World Bank study revealed that a major barrier to increased air service was the restrictions placed by governments, in order to help state-owned carriers monopolise the airspace.

However, on the global aviation stage, it has been proven that deregulation and competition are actually more beneficial both on a macro level (the economy) and on a micro level (consumers).

Competition forces are able to push flight ticket prices down, and also cause there to be an increase in the quality and safety of services provided. More consumers are lured into purchasing airline services and consequently, the market itself increases.

Increased travel also pumps demand into the tourism industry which will further boost the economy.

According to the UN World Tourism Organisation, Africa saw about 85 million international tourist arrivals in 2019. Although this number dropped as a result of the pandemic and subsequent recovery, imagine how much more financial gain would be accrued if our local airlines had a bigger share of such a huge market.

In the longer term, increased travel could usher in new international trade and investment opportunities.

It was the realisation of such immense benefits that spurred nearly all African governments to adopt the Yamoussoukro Decision in 1999. However, many of these countries have failed to implement the market liberalisation and reap its benefits.

Despite the clear benefits, there is a need to introduce laws that protect the airlines and consumers in a deregulated market.

This is why AFCAC has put rules in place for consumer protection, competition and dispute settlement—the latter of which posed AFCAC’s biggest challenges.

With more government cooperation and brilliant initiatives, Africa could be well on its way bridging the huge gap between the continent and other regions in the aviation sector.

Trump’s Travel Ban on 12 Countries Goes Into Effect Early Monday

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U.S. President Donald Trump’s order banning citizens of 12 countries from entering the United States goes into effect at 12:01 am ET (0401 GMT) on Monday, a move the president promulgated to protect the country from “foreign terrorists.”

The countries affected by the latest travel ban are Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen.

The entry of people from seven other countries – Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela – will be partially restricted.

Trump, a Republican, said the countries subject to the most severe restrictions were determined to harbor a “large-scale presence of terrorists,” fail to cooperate on visa security, have an inability to verify travelers’ identities, as well as inadequate record-keeping of criminal histories and high rates of visa overstays in the United States.

He cited last Sunday’s incident in Boulder, Colorado, in which an Egyptian national tossed a gasoline bomb into a crowd of pro-Israel demonstrators as an example of why the new curbs are needed. But Egypt is not part of the travel ban.

The travel ban forms part of Trump’s policy to restrict immigration into the United States and is reminiscent of a similar move in his first term when he barred travelers from seven Muslim-majority nations.

Officials and residents in countries whose citizens will soon be banned expressed dismay and disbelief.

Chad President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno said he had instructed his government to stop granting visas to U.S. citizens in response to Trump’s action.

“Chad has neither planes to offer nor billions of dollars to give, but Chad has its dignity and its pride,” he said in a Facebook post, referring to countries such as Qatar, which gifted the U.S. a luxury airplane for Trump’s use and promised to invest billions of dollars in the U.S.

Afghans who worked for the U.S. or U.S.-funded projects and were hoping to resettle in the U.S. expressed fear that the travel ban would force them to return to their country, where they could face reprisal from the Taliban.

Democratic U.S. lawmakers also voiced concern about the policies.

“Trump’s travel ban on citizens from over 12 countries is draconian and unconstitutional,” said U.S. Representative Ro Khanna on social media late on Thursday. “People have a right to seek asylum.”

(Reporting by Trevor Hunnicutt; Writing by Mary Milliken Editing by Sandra Maler)