A prominent Kenyan aviation expert, Charles Gakuu, has strongly advocated for comprehensive reforms across Africa's travel and aviation sectors, emphasizing that policies promoting visa-free access and open skies are crucial for unlocking the continent's immense tourism potential. Speaking on the sidelines of the IATA Focus Africa Conference in Addis Ababa, Gakuu, who is the Managing Director of the Air Travel and Related Studies Centre in Nairobi, underscored the pressing need for enhanced regional air connectivity and harmonized policy frameworks among African nations.

Gakuu highlighted recent positive developments in regional air links, particularly commending the expanding network of Ethiopian Airlines as a model for the continent's aviation industry. He expressed personal satisfaction with new routes, stating, "I was very happy yesterday to catch a flight from Mombasa to Addis on Ethiopian Airlines. That was never there." He further lauded Ethiopian Airlines for its remarkable global expansion, noting its connections spanning multiple continents, including routes like "Addis-Sao Paulo, Addis-Chicago, Addis-Washington," and "Milan." This extensive reach, he stated, significantly contributes to global air connectivity for Africa.

Despite these advancements, Gakuu stressed that deeper structural reforms are indispensable for fully realizing Africa's aviation and tourism capabilities. He firmly argued for a "visa-free continent," asserting, "It does not make sense that I require a visa to go to my neighbor." He referenced successful integration models such as the European Union and the Schengen Area as blueprints Africa should consider emulating. Furthermore, Gakuu identified the liberalization of airspace across the continent as an equally critical reform, urging nations "to open up the skies."

Reflecting on his initial visit to Addis Ababa in the early 1990s, Gakuu observed the city's profound transformation over the past three decades. He expressed delight at the modern infrastructure, noting the presence of "an electric train, huge freeways," and significant population growth, a stark contrast to a period when landmarks like the Ghion Hotel and Hilton Addis Ababa were defining features. He also praised Ethiopian Airlines for its strategic diversification into the hospitality sector, specifically citing its investments in high-quality, five-star accommodations designed for transit passengers. This initiative, he explained, not only provides comfort for travelers but also generates substantial revenue for both the airline and the host country.

Gakuu pointed to Ethiopia's reciprocal visa-free access for Kenyan travelers as an exemplary instance of regional cooperation. "I think it is only Kenyans and one more nationality that don't require a visa to get to Ethiopia. And we are very happy with that privilege," he remarked. He described his hassle-free entry, stating, "When I came in, no questions asked. I just got my passport stamped, and in five minutes I was here." Concluding with an optimistic outlook for Ethiopia's future, Gakuu highlighted the nation's inherent hospitality and burgeoning infrastructure, predicting a strong trajectory for its tourism and aviation industries, evident in the emergence of numerous new hotels, including the Radisson Blu Hotel Addis Ababa.