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Hajj Board Maintains 2024 Fare, Warns Against Unrecognized Agents
2024 Heritage Caravan Set to Explore Ghana’s Diverse Regions
Air Côte d’Ivoire Expands Global Reach, Commits to Africa’s Prosperity
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The National Hajj Board has announced that the hajj fare for this year will remain at GH¢75,000, equivalent to $6,250, the same as the previous year.
The first group of pilgrims is scheduled to depart for Mecca on May 29, with a total of 4,000 Muslims expected to participate in the annual pilgrimage.
Despite increased costs in Saudi Arabia, the board has decided to maintain the fare, including various services such as visa acquisition, return flight, transportation, accommodation, and meals for a month.
Prospective pilgrims are urged to make their payments by mid-March through accredited agents or directly to the board’s account to facilitate document processing.
The Chairman, Alhaji Ben Abdallah Banda, cautioned against dealing with unauthorised individuals and emphasised the board’s role as the mandated authority for organising and managing Ghanaian pilgrims.
Visa issuance will begin on April 20, and the airlifting of pilgrims is set to start on May 30.
Away from that
Media executive and Chief Operations Officer of Plugin Media, Francis Doku, has emphasised the importance of Ghana establishing its own airline to boost tourism.
Mr. Doku highlighted that even smaller countries like Seychelles have airlines to support their tourism industry.
The government had initially announced plans for a new airline, Ghana Airlines Limited, with intentions to launch in 2023.
Despite delays, the Transport Minister stated that all requirements were satisfied, and the airline is expected to start selling tickets by April or May, with flights commencing in June or July.
The call for a national airline comes in the context of enhancing tourism efforts and reviving the role previously held by Ghana Airways from 1958 to 2004.
Organisers of Heritage Caravan, a week-long exploration across 14 out of 16 regions of Ghana, have sold out all tickets more than a month before the journey.
The highly anticipated annual event, scheduled from March 3 to 10, 2024, has become a hallmark experience for participants.
Frema Adunyame, Head of Events and Partnerships, at Citi FM/Citi TV’s 2024 highlighted infrastructure constraints in certain regions as a limiting factor for accommodating more participants.
She encouraged future patrons to secure spots early to avoid disappointment, promising a culinary adventure, cultural immersion, and exposure to tourism highlights across the visited regions.
In news elsewhere on the continent
Air Côte d’Ivoire, a major player in Africa’s aviation industry, has expressed its commitment to strengthening the aviation sector
The move aims to boost the continent’s economy and support the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The Director General, Laurent Loukou, highlighted the airline’s rapid growth since its launch in November 2012, achieving over 50% market share.
Air Côte d’Ivoire aims to serve as a key gateway for Central and West Africa, contributing to connectivity, trade facilitation, tourism, investment, and regional integration across the continent.
Source : Property Express Travel and Tourism News – Joycelyn Marigold
