Headlines for Travel and Tourism News for the 20/01/25
President John Mahama nominates Dzifa Abla Gomashiehe as minister-designate for Tourism and Culture
The Year of Return (2019) marked a transformative moment in Ghana’s historical and cultural narrative
Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest carrier, operates passenger flights to 138 destinations from its Addis Ababa hub in 2025.
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President John Mahama has appointed Dzifa Abla Gomashie as the minister-designate for Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts, subject to parliamentary approval.
Currently the MP for Ketu South, Gomashie previously served as Deputy Minister for the same portfolio.
If confirmed, she will oversee Ghana’s expanding tourism and creative arts sector, aiming to build on the success of initiatives like the Year of Return and Beyond the Return to drive growth and enhance global recognition.
The Year of Return (2019) marked a transformative moment in Ghana’s historical and cultural narrative. Launched by the Ghanaian government, this initiative served as a symbolic and powerful invitation for the African diaspora, particularly African Americans, to reconnect with their roots by visiting Ghana and exploring their ancestral heritage.
This historic campaign commemorated the 400th anniversary of the arrival of the first enslaved Africans in Jamestown, Virginia, in 1619, emphasizing Ghana’s central role in the African diaspora’s story.
The Year of Return generated a global wave of interest, attracting over one million visitors to Ghana in 2019, a 20% increase from prior years, according to the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA). Many of these visitors, particularly from the African diaspora, traveled specifically for the campaign’s events and commemorations, contributing significantly to economic growth across sectors such as hospitality, transport, and retail. Simultaneously, the initiative rekindled domestic appreciation for Ghana’s historical sites and cultural heritage, fostering national pride and identity.
Building on this success, the Ghanaian government launched the Beyond the Return initiative in 2020 to sustain the momentum and deepen engagement. This follow-up program shifted focus toward sustainable tourism, cultural exchange, and economic opportunities. It aimed to inspire both the African diaspora and Ghanaians to connect with Ghana’s rich history, diverse cultures, and traditions. The initiative emphasized long-term investment, national pride, and community-driven tourism, urging locals to rediscover hidden destinations and immerse themselves in their own cultural heritage.
One of the standout achievements of these initiatives has been the transformation of December into a flagship tourism season. The #DecemberInGH campaign, launched during the Year of Return, positioned Ghana as a premier holiday destination, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. This period now features iconic cultural events such as Afrochella, Chale Wote, and the Ghana Music Awards, blending international attention with local participation.
Together, the Year of Return and Beyond the Return campaigns have redefined Ghana’s tourism landscape, bolstering the economy and fostering deeper connections between Ghanaians and their cultural identity. These initiatives have not only placed Ghana on the global tourism map but have also laid a foundation for a more inclusive and resilient domestic tourism industry.
Tourism is a major global economic driver, contributing one in ten jobs and 10.4% of global GDP in 2019. In Ghana, while initiatives like the Year of Return and Beyond the Return have attracted over 1.5 million visitors and spotlighted the country’s rich cultural and historical heritage, significant untapped potential remains. The recent visa-free policy for African nationals aims to attract more visitors, particularly from the African diaspora, to key heritage sites such as Cape Coast and Elmina Castles.
To maximize tourism’s economic impact, Ghana must address challenges in infrastructure, such as improving roads to key attractions, diversifying offerings with cultural events and recreational spaces, and leveraging technology through virtual tours and smart solutions. Strengthening the tourism supply chain, including accommodations, sanitation, and service quality, is also essential.
Heritage tourism remains central to Ghana’s strategy, requiring the preservation and enrichment of historical sites with interactive experiences. By addressing these gaps and enhancing the tourist experience, Ghana can transform its tourism sector into a sustainable driver of economic growth and national development.
Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest carrier, operates passenger flights to 138 destinations from its Addis Ababa hub in 2025. Recent international additions include Freetown, Maun, Warsaw, Port Sudan, Dhaka, and Monrovia, with Hyderabad becoming its fifth Indian city starting June 16, 2025. The Hyderabad service, utilizing a Boeing 737 MAX 8, will run three times weekly, enhancing connectivity between Africa and India.
Hyderabad is Ethiopian Airlines’ fifth-longest non-stop narrowbody route, catering to the growing demand for Africa-India travel. The airline’s strategic scheduling supports connections to over 15 African cities, including Accra, Entebbe, and Mogadishu, though larger markets like Nairobi and Cairo may not align perfectly.
Ethiopian Airlines plans six daily flights to India, covering Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Mumbai. Most passengers traveling to India connect to other destinations, with Johannesburg, Lagos, and Tel Aviv being among the most popular African markets. Ethiopian Airlines continues expanding its fleet and network, with initiatives like the Airbus A350-1000 and new Boeing orders strengthening its position as a leading African airline.
Source : African Travel& Tourism News – Joycelyn Marigold
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