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Here are top stories for today
Kumasi International Airport Set to Commence Operations in June 2024
Delta Air Lines Enhances Accra-New York Route with Airbus A330900 Neoo Deployment
10th Wonders of Nigeria Expo Highlights Domestic Tourism and Industry Growth
Let’s dive into the stories
The Ghana Hajj Board has announced the flight schedules for the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage.
Flights will start from Tamale on May 28, with subsequent departures until May 31, followed by flights from Accra starting on June 2 and continuing until June 6, all bound for Medina, Saudi Arabia.
Prospective pilgrims can contact accredited agents or the Ghana Hajj Board for inquiries. The emphasis was placed on cooperation and comprehensive services, including security, meals, medical care, accommodation, and transportation.
Spiritual guidance and orientation programs will also be provided for pilgrims’ comfort and well-being. The board is dedicated to ensuring a smooth and fulfilling experience for all participants.
To other stories
The Kumasi International Airport in Ghana’s Ashanti Region is set to begin operations in June 2024, as announced by Minister of Transport Kwaku Ofori Asiamah.
The minister expressed satisfaction with the quality of work done by contractors during an inspection with officials from the Ghana Airport Company.
He stated that the airport meets international standards and will be commissioned in May 2024, followed by further testing of the facilities.
Operations are expected to commence by the end of June 2024. Managing Director of Ghana Airport Company, Yvonne Nana Afriyie Opare, praised the contractors for their work, anticipating that the airport will serve 800,000 passengers annually once operational.
Moving on
Delta Air Lines is responding to market demands for a more modern and comfortable flying experience by deploying its Airbus A330-900neo on the Accra-New York JFK route starting October 27, 2024.
This move will increase capacity by approximately 30 percent, adding nearly 1,000 more seats each week between Ghana and the US. The A330-900neo offers four distinct experiences – Delta One Suites, Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort+, and Main Cabin.
Additionally, this new aircraft will boost cargo capacity by 70 percent, benefiting Ghana-US trade relations.
In 2022, the US exported products like cars, petroleum gas, and refined petroleum to Ghana, while Ghana exported crude petroleum, cocoa beans, and cocoa paste to the US. Matteo Curcio, Delta’s Senior Vice President for Europe, Middle East, Africa, and India, announced the deployment, emphasizing Delta’s commitment to enhancing the travel experience for customers in Ghana.
In news elsewhere
The 10th edition of the Wonders of Nigeria Expo, organized by Africa Travels Market, focused on promoting domestic tourism assets, cultural heritage, festivities, and monuments in Nigeria.
Participants from various segments of the tourism industry, including tour operators and digital photographers, attended the event.
The keynote speech by the Minister of Tourism, Ms. Lola Ade John, emphasized the importance of preserving Nigeria’s cultural heritage and promoting responsible tourism.
Suggestions from panelists on driving sustainable growth through tourism facilities and community engagement were discussed.
There was emphasis on the use of photography and storytelling to change the narrative of Nigerian tourism, with a focus on authenticating images and sharing personal experiences. Calls for government investment in training, capacity-building, infrastructure development, and creating an enabling environment for tourism businesses to thrive were made.
Recognition of individuals and organizations for their contributions to the promotion of tourism, including the presentation of the ‘Travellers Award,’ also took place. Overall, the event aimed to showcase Nigeria’s tourism potential, address challenges, and chart a path for the industry’s sustainable growth.