Patrick Kamanga Urges Kenya Travel Agents to Embrace NDC and New Markets

Adapt or Stagnate: KATA Coast Chief calls for strategic pivot amid 2026 global travel headwinds at Chairman’s Breakfast

Hotel Sapphire, Mombasa — In a speech that blended sobering realism with unwavering optimism, Patrick Kamanga, Chairman of the Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) Coast Chapter, urged industry stakeholders to pivot strategically as global geopolitical tensions and visa restrictions threaten 2026 recovery goals.

Speaking at the annual KATA Coast Chairman’s Breakfast which took place yesterday at Hotel Sapphire, Kamanga acknowledged that the optimism held at the start of 2026 has been dampened by external forces. However, he emphasized that the resilience of travel agents remains the industry’s greatest asset.

Global Headwinds and Strategic Pivots

Kamanga highlighted three critical challenges currently impacting the Kenyan travel sector:

• Middle East Conflict: Disruption to one of the industry’s key travel corridors.
• Xenophobia in South Africa: Deportations creating uncertainty for regional travelers.
• Visa Restrictions: Tightening entry requirements by the EU, US, Canada, and the UAE.

“When one door closes, we look for another one,” Kamanga told the gathering. “The opportunities are still there—we simply have to position ourselves differently.”

He advised members to aggressively target emerging markets, specifically pointing to the Far East and Indian Ocean islands like Seychelles and Mauritius as viable alternatives for clients seeking leisure and business travel.

Technology as the Great Equalizer

The Chairman stressed that New Distribution Capability (NDC) is no longer a future concept but a current operational necessity. He issued a direct call to action for members to engage with their Global Distribution System (GDS) providers or connect directly with airlines to adopt NDC solutions.

“Those who embrace these changes early will remain competitive in the years ahead,” he stated, warning that digital agility is now a prerequisite for survival.

Call for Greater Engagement and Visibility

Reflecting on the recent KATA AGM and Convention, Kamanga expressed disappointment over the low attendance from Coast members, despite the event being oversubscribed by national and international partners.

“My appeal is simple: next time, let us be there in bigger numbers,” he urged. “Every convention is an investment in ourselves and in our businesses.”

He also addressed the persistent challenge of sponsorship for Coast events, noting that most sponsors are based in Nairobi and focus resources on the capital. He commended members who travel to Nairobi for industry events, noting that their presence keeps the Coast chapter visible.

On the local governance front, Kamanga recognized Madam Falmina for her representation of KATA Coast at the Mombasa Tourism Council. He encouraged all members to accept government invitations, even at short notice, to ensure the voice of travel agents is heard in county-level tourism decisions.

A Message of Hope

As the industry enters the second half of 2026, Kamanga closed with a blessing for the members’ businesses, sales, and teams. He reminded the room that the industry has faced crises before and always emerged stronger.

“May you discover new markets, embrace new technology and continue delivering the excellent service that makes travel agents indispensable,” he said.

The breakfast brought together the National Chairman Dr. Joseph Kithitu, the Director of Utalii, airline partners, and new KATA members, reinforcing the theme that despite global turbulence, the Kenyan travel community remains united.