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In the headlines.
Virgin Atlantic resumes daily flights to Accra in May 2025, boosting competition on the Accra-London route
The U.S. Embassy in Ghana transitions to new visa services provider, ensuring continuity for applicants.
Africa’s cruise tourism boom propels continent to the forefront of luxury travel
Virgin Atlantic will resume daily flights to Accra, Ghana, from May 2025, marking its return after a decade.
The airline aims to enhance competition on the Accra-London (Heathrow) route, which currently has limited options.
This new service will cater to the significant Ghanaian diaspora in the UK and is expected to attract around 10% of passengers connecting to Virgin Atlantic’s New York JFK service.
The flights will be operated on a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, featuring Upper Class, Premium, and Economy cabins, along with an onboard bar. Additionally, each flight will offer 30 tonnes of cargo capacity, primarily for fresh produce between Ghana, the UK, and the US.
The U.S. Embassy in Ghana announced a change in its visa application process, transitioning to a new visa services provider on August 26, 2024.
The Embassy assured that all current nonimmigrant visa interview appointments remain valid, requiring no further action from applicants.
The new provider’s platform, available at usvisaappt.com/visa/country, promises an improved user experience.
For more information, the Embassy directs applicants to their official website. This change reflects the Embassy’s commitment to enhancing visa services for Ghana
Africa is experiencing a surge in cruise tourism, with countries like Kenya and South Africa leading the way.
Strategic investments in infrastructure, such as new cruise terminals and port improvements, are helping these nations become prime destinations for luxury cruise liners.
This growth has led to a significant increase in demand, with some countries seeing nearly double the bookings compared to pre-pandemic levels.
Key drivers of this boom include Africa’s unique and immersive travel experiences, tailored itineraries that cater to specific interests, and a growing emphasis on sustainable practices. Kenya, through its “blue economy” initiative, has focused on sustainable tourism development, highlighted by the new cruise terminal in Mombasa.
South Africa has also seen rising popularity, especially with the opening of the Nelson Mandela MSC Cruise Terminal in Durban.
Despite the promising outlook, challenges such as visa regulations, health requirements, and infrastructure limitations remain. However, with continued investment and collaboration, Africa is well-positioned to become a leading destination for luxury travelers seeking unforgettable experiences.
Still saying on this,Juha Jarvinen, Virgin Atlantic’s Chief Commercial Officer, highlighted the new route as part of the airline’s summer 2025 expansion, which also includes Toronto and services to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Virgin Atlantic will resume daily flights to Accra, Ghana, from May 2025, marking its return after a decade.
The airline aims to enhance competition on the Accra-London (Heathrow) route, which currently has limited options.
This new service will cater to the significant Ghanaian diaspora in the UK and is expected to attract around 10% of passengers connecting to Virgin Atlantic’s New York JFK service.
The flights will be operated on a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, featuring Upper Class, Premium, and Economy cabins, along with an onboard bar. Additionally, each flight will offer 30 tonnes of cargo capacity, primarily for fresh produce between Ghana, the UK, and the US.
Juha Jarvinen, Virgin Atlantic’s Chief Commercial Officer, highlighted the new route as part of the airline’s summer 2025 expansion, which also includes Toronto and services to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Source : Joycelyn Marigold – Property Express News
