Partnership aims to position Africa as a year-round destination

Kenya Airways (KQ) has partnered with European-based TUI Airline Holidays, part of the TUI Group, to relaunch KQ Holidays. The revamped platform is designed to provide travellers with an end-to-end booking experience, combining Kenya Airways’ global network with TUI’s expertise in curated holiday solutions.

The relaunch positions Kenya as a year-round leisure destination, offering structured and personalised travel experiences. The platform places emphasis on sustainable tourism, authentic local engagement and itineraries tailored to individual traveller interests, while supporting local communities and the regional economy.

Integrated booking and stopover options

KQ Holidays enables travellers connecting through Nairobi to incorporate a stopover in Kenya as part of a wider itinerary. Passengers transiting via Jomo Kenyatta International Airport can include a short stay within a single, coordinated booking, explore the country’s attractions and then continue to their final destination. The model is intended to add flexibility and enhance the overall travel experience.

Julius Thairu, Chief Commercial and Customer Officer at Kenya Airways, described the launch as an important milestone in expanding customer choice and delivering added value beyond the flight. He said the partnership combines technology and network strength to provide curated holiday offerings while supporting sustainable tourism growth.

The platform, powered by TUI Airline Holidays’ white-label solution, provides real-time inventory management and personalised travel options. Customers may book flights, premium hotel stays, transfers and local experiences individually or as dynamic packages.

Danyal Kaya, Head of Specialist Businesses at TUI, said the partnership extends the group’s expertise into the African market, enabling Kenya Airways to broaden its customer base and diversify revenue streams.

Kenya Airways network and alliance reach

Kenya Airways operates 42 destinations worldwide, including 33 within Africa, and connects more than five million passengers annually through its Nairobi hub. The airline transports over 70,000 tonnes of cargo each year and is the only African member of the SkyTeam Alliance, providing access to more than 1,060 destinations in 173 countries.

The airline has received international recognition, including awards at the 2024 Skytrax World Airline Awards for Best Airline Staff and Best Airline Cabin Crew in Africa.

TUI Group global tourism portfolio

Headquartered in Germany, the TUI Group serves more than 34.7 million customers globally. The group operates across the tourism value chain, including more than 460 hotels and resorts, 18 cruise ships and five airlines with a combined fleet of over 130 aircraft. It also manages around 1,200 travel agencies and a range of online platforms.

TUI has stated that sustainability and responsible tourism are central to its corporate strategy, supported by initiatives such as the TUI Care Foundation, which focuses on education, environmental standards and community development in 25 countries.