Headlines for Travel and Tourism News
UK to Introduce Electronic Visas in 2025, Phasing Out Physical Immigration Documents
Ghana Tourism Authority Projects 1.2 Million Visitors for 2024 Year of Return Despite Sponsorship Challenges
Indonesia’s Tourism Sector Rebounds: Foreign Spending, Domestic Travel, and Hotel Occupancy on the Rise
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has issued an important advisory regarding changes to the United Kingdom’s visa and immigration processes, following updates shared by the British High Commission.
Beginning January 1, 2025, the UK will transition exclusively to Electronic Visas (E-Visas), marking the end of all physical visa documents.
This advisory, signed by the Acting Director for the Information and Public Affairs Bureau, Victor N. A. Adamah, on November 4, explains that as of December 31, 2024, current forms of physical immigration documentation, including stamped visas in passports, Biometric Residence Permits (BRP), and Biometric Residence Cards (BRC), will no longer be recognized as valid proof of immigration status in the UK.
The Ministry advises individuals planning to reside in the UK for over six months in 2025 to apply for an E-Visa, as physical documents will no longer serve as proof of immigration status. This requirement also extends to current BRP holders, whose permissions to live, work, or study in the UK will expire with the validity of BRP cards at the end of this year.
The Ministry further recommends that travelers planning to be outside the UK during the holiday season secure their E-Visa approvals before December 31, 2024, to avoid any re-entry issues after the policy takes effect.
All affected individuals are encouraged to take timely action to align with these changes and seek guidance on the application process through the British High Commission’s official website or directly from UK immigration authorities.
The Ghana Tourism Authority’s CEO, Akwasi Agyeman, announced that approximately 90 events are scheduled for the upcoming December “Year of Return.”
Despite a drop from 180 events last year, the GTA is optimistic, projecting 1.2 million visitors for the initiative.
Agyeman cited corporate Ghana’s decreased sponsorship as a reason for fewer event registrations, although there has been significant interest from various groups.
He noted that as of the third quarter, the initiative had already drawn close to 900,000 visitors. The Year of Return has been a major economic success since its inception, generating US$3.3 billion in tourism revenue in 2019.
Sekondi, home to the Western Regional Administration, is famed for its landmarks and modern infrastructure. Key attractions include Komfoase, Independence Square (now Nnamase), and the historic first bank in Africa.
Its well-planned streets and scenic coastal setting underscore the city’s blend of history, culture, and urban sophistication.
Beyond its landmarks, Sekondi’s cultural heritage shines through the Duawusu Almond tree in Asemensudo. This iconic tree once provided a resting place for local fishermen, who gathered to share sea tales and create spontaneous folk music.
According to Adamu Amadu, Duawusu served as a vital space for community bonding and artistic inspiration, especially among renowned highlife artists from the area.
Indonesia’s tourism sector is showing a robust recovery, with foreign tourists spending an average of $1,375 per trip in Q3 2024.
Although this is slightly lower than the previous quarter’s average, the influx of international visitors is providing significant economic benefits, especially in regions like Bali, Jakarta, and Yogyakarta, which rely on tourism for local employment and growth.
Domestic tourism has also surged, with nearly 758 million trips taken by Indonesian residents from January to September 2024, a 21% increase from the previous year.
This strong local travel interest has helped support the hospitality and travel industries, particularly in destinations like Bandung, Surabaya, and Lombok.
Hotel occupancy rates reflect this recovery, averaging 51.33% for the year so far. Though still below pre-pandemic levels, the government’s focus on safety measures and incentives has helped rebuild traveler confidence, promising continued growth in both domestic and international tourism.
TRIBE has expanded its presence in Europe by opening TRIBE Manchester Airport, marking the brand’s second UK location and 19th globally.
The new hotel offers 412 well-lit, efficiently designed rooms to help travelers unwind near Manchester Airport, with easy access to terminals and a quick train link to the city center.
Established in 2017 in Australia, TRIBE caters to travelers seeking modern, stylish accommodations with a “more for less” philosophy. Pauline Oster, Vice President of TRIBE Europe & North Africa, highlighted Manchester’s dynamic culture as an ideal match for the brand, which plans further openings in Paris, Budapest, Krakow, and The Hague.
Source : Joycelyn Marigold – Africa Home Building News
