The Kenya Tourism Board has been crowned as the Best Tourism Board in Africa at the prestigious Africa Tourism Awards 2025 (The Balearica Awards), held on 1 November at the Hilton London Canary Wharf.

The Kenya Tourism Board triumphed over other leading contenders, including the Egypt Tourism Authority, Rwanda Development Board, South African Tourism, Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority, and Instituto do Turismo de Cabo Verde. The recognition reinforces Kenya’s position as a continental benchmark for destination marketing and promotion.

Adding to the country’s pride, the Masai Mara National Reserve was named the Best Safari Destination in Africa. Competing against globally acclaimed parks such as Chobe, Kruger, Serengeti, South Luangwa, and Volcanoes National Parks, the Masai Mara stood out for its extraordinary wildlife experiences, particularly the world-famous annual wildebeest migration and its community-driven conservation initiatives.

Kenya’s achievements extended across multiple categories. The Kenya Tourism Board received commendations for Best Tourism Video with its acclaimed campaign “This is the Real Deal,” Best Country Destination, Best City Destination for Nairobi, and Best International Airport for Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Together, these recognitions highlight Kenya’s strong tourism infrastructure and its diverse appeal to global travellers.

Speaking about the awards, Allan Njoroge, Acting CEO of Kenya Tourism Board, said,

“These accolades are a strong testament to Kenya’s extraordinary natural heritage and our commitment to sustainable tourism growth. The Masai Mara remains our crown jewel and one of the world’s premier safari destinations. Our recognition as Best Tourism Board reflects KTB’s innovative marketing strategies, strategic partnerships, and concerted efforts to grow visitor arrivals, boost revenue, and create millions of jobs for Kenyans.”

The awards coincided with the 2025 World Travel Market (WTM) in London, where the Kenya Tourism Board led a vibrant delegation to promote the country’s tourism offerings. KTB used the platform to strengthen partnerships, highlight Kenya’s latest travel products, and attract international visitors.

With its unmatched wildlife adventures, rich cultural traditions, scenic coastlines, and warm hospitality, Kenya continues to set the gold standard for African tourism and remains a leading choice for travellers across the globe.

The Hari Hong Kong has partnered with White Cube Hong Kong to present ‘Thresholds,’ a remarkable group exhibition showcasing contemporary artists whose creative practices are rooted in or connected to Indonesia.

Exploring the cycles of life, death, and transformation, the exhibition delves into themes of ritual, spirituality, and reincarnation through a captivating mix of mediums, including painting, sculpture, textile, drawing, and silverware. The collection will be on display at The Hari Hong Kong until 31 March 2026, offering art lovers a glimpse into Indonesia’s rich cultural and spiritual landscape.

Curated by Galuh Sukardi, an independent curator from Indonesia, ‘Thresholds’ features works by artists Galuh Anindita, Arahmaiani, Christine Ay Tjoe, Nadiah Bamadhaj, Kei Imazu, Ines Katamso, I Gusti Ayu Kadek Murniasih (Murni), Citra Sasmita, and Jennifer Tee. Each artist expresses a unique journey of transformation, spiritual, political, physical, or mythological, highlighting the coexistence of light and dark as balanced forces rather than opposing ones.

Rooted in Indonesian tradition, the exhibition draws inspiration from the Balinese poleng cloth, known for its black-and-white checks symbolising harmony of opposites. This symbolic pattern becomes a visual metaphor for balance amid contemporary ecological, social, and spiritual challenges.

To celebrate the exhibition, The Hari Hong Kong has introduced special menu offerings inspired by Indonesian cuisine. Guests can savour dishes like chicken karaage wrapped in pandan leaf and pandan coconut panna cotta, paired with the Threshold Special, a pandan-flavoured cocktail or mocktail. The pandan leaf, a staple in Indonesian cooking and a symbol of purity, beautifully connects the culinary and cultural narratives of the festival.

The collaboration also builds on the ongoing relationship between The Hari and White Cube, following their annual Hari Art Prize, which began in London. Wendy Xu, Managing Director, Asia at White Cube, is part of the judging panel for The Hari Art Prize 2026 in Hong Kong, continuing the celebration of emerging artistic talent.

‘Thresholds,’ curated by Galuh Sukardi, is on view at White Cube Hong Kong until 10 January 2026, and concurrently at The Hari Hong Kong until 31 March 2026.

The Emirates Group has announced its strongest-ever half-year financial results, posting a record profit before tax of AED 12.2 billion (USD 3.3 billion) for the first six months of FY2025–26, marking a 17% increase year-on-year. This milestone also represents the Group’s fourth consecutive period of record profitability, reaffirming its position as the world’s most profitable airline group.

The Group’s profit after tax stood at AED 10.6 billion (USD 2.9 billion), up 13% from last year, while revenues rose 4% to AED 75.4 billion (USD 20.6 billion). Supported by strong passenger demand and expanding operations, Emirates Group maintained a healthy EBITDA of AED 21.1 billion (USD 5.7 billion).

As of September 30, 2025, the Group’s cash position reached a record AED 56 billion (USD 15.2 billion), ensuring financial flexibility for new aircraft deliveries, debt servicing, and future investments.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group, said:

“The Group has once again delivered an outstanding performance, surpassing our half-year results of last year to achieve a new record profit for H1 2025–26. Emirates maintains its position as the world’s most profitable airline for this half-year reporting period.”

He added that the success reflects “unflagging demand and growing customer preference for Emirates’ product and service excellence,” supporting ongoing investments in innovation, technology, and sustainability.

Airline Performance

Emirates Airline delivered a record half-year profit before tax of AED 11.4 billion (USD 3.1 billion), up 17% year-on-year, with revenues reaching AED 65.6 billion (USD 17.9 billion). The growth was fueled by strong travel demand, particularly for premium cabins, and new route expansions.

Between April and September 2025, Emirates launched new services to Danang, Siem Reap, Shenzhen, and Hangzhou, expanding its network to 153 destinations across 81 countries. The airline also added 28 new weekly flights to key routes, enhancing global connectivity.

Fleet expansion continued with the delivery of five new A350 aircraft and 23 aircraft retrofits under a USD 5 billion modernisation programme. Emirates Premium Economy, now available on 61 routes, remained a key contributor to revenue growth.

The airline also unveiled ‘Emirates First’, an exclusive check-in experience for First Class passengers and Platinum Skywards members at Dubai Airport, and expanded its global retail store presence in cities like Accra, Bangkok, Geneva, Jakarta, Mauritius, Osaka, Seoul, and Singapore.

Sustainability remained central, with Emirates uplifting Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) at 37 airports and joining the Aviation Circularity Consortium to promote greener practices.

Passenger traffic rose 4% to 27.8 million, while Emirates SkyCargo transported 1.25 million tonnes of freight, up 4% year-on-year. The airline also launched Courier Express, a new express delivery service for businesses.

dnata Performance

dnata reported its highest-ever half-year revenue of AED 11.7 billion (USD 3.2 billion), up 13% year-on-year. Profit before tax rose 17% to AED 843 million (USD 230 million), while profit after tax reached AED 697 million (USD 190 million).

Airport operations contributed AED 5.5 billion (USD 1.5 billion), a 15% rise supported by expanded services in Italy, Australia, the UK, and the UAE. The company handled 450,903 aircraft turns, up 15%, and cargo volumes grew 3% to 1.59 million tonnes.

dnata’s catering and retail division generated AED 4.1 billion (USD 1.1 billion) in revenue, up 11%, while its travel division reached AED 2 billion (USD 538 million) in revenue, with a total transaction value of AED 5 billion (USD 1.4 billion).

The company invested USD 110 million in new ground support equipment and launched its marhaba hospitality brand in the UK. dnata also acquired a minority stake in WonderMiles, a next-generation booking platform, and entered its first major sports sponsorship with Dubai Basketball.

Concluding on a strong note, Sheikh Ahmed said,

“Global demand for air transport remains buoyant despite geopolitical and economic pressures. Emirates and dnata are positioned for continued growth, with new A350 aircraft joining the fleet and expanded facilities supporting dnata’s international operations.”

With record-breaking results and a continued focus on excellence, innovation, and sustainability, the Emirates Group remains a symbol of resilience and leadership in the global aviation industry.