Welcome to PE Holiday & Hospitality News 22/01/2025
Headlines for Holiday and Hospitality News
Tourism Minister-Designate Pledges Infrastructure Upgrades to Revitalize Ghana’s Hospitality Sector
Ghana Ranked Africa’s Second Safest Destination by Global Tourism Firm
The Midland Hotel Opens in Chicago Loop Under Marriott’s Tribute Portfolio
Minister-designate for Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has emphasized the urgent need to improve Ghana’s hospitality infrastructure to attract more visitors and boost national revenue.
Speaking before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on January 22, 2025, she highlighted concerns about inadequate facilities and high hotel rates, which have contributed to a decline in the sector and driven many Ghanaians to seek tourism opportunities abroad.
Gomashie pledged to collaborate with the private sector and the Ministry of Finance to enhance infrastructure, making Ghana more competitive in the global tourism market. She invited stakeholders willing to invest in the sector to engage with her, should she receive parliamentary approval, to address these pressing issues.
Global tourism firm Altezza Travel has ranked Ghana as the second safest country in Africa, highlighting its remarkably low crime rate. According to a 2025 report recommending top global tourism destinations, Ghana’s crime rate is even lower than those of Canada, Greece, and Australia.
The report aligns with findings from international organizations that have commended Ghana’s improved safety measures, including the Ghana Police Service’s enhanced community patrols.
The report also lauds Ghana’s Global Peace Index ranking, which surpasses countries like Moldova, Bosnia and Herzegovina, France, China, and Jamaica. Additionally, Ghana achieved a zero score on the Terrorism Index, further cementing its reputation as a safe destination.
Altezza Travel’s analysis also references the Numbeo Crime Index 2025, where Ghana ranks among Africa’s top three safest countries, alongside Rwanda and Tunisia.
While the Global Safety Report and Human Development Index indicate Ghana lags behind “first-world” nations, it outperforms most African destinations, including popular locations like Kenya, Ethiopia, and Madagascar.
The report attributes Ghana’s stability to its independent judicial system, multiparty democracy, and freedom of speech, including a vibrant press. Despite bordering regions with instability, such as Burkina Faso, Ghana continues to be recognized as a beacon of safety and development on the continent.
Pyramid Global Hospitality, in collaboration with Tribute Portfolio under Marriott Bonvoy, has launched The Midland Hotel, Chicago, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel. Formerly the W Chicago City Center, this iconic property in the Chicago Loop is undergoing a two-phase transformation to enhance its guest experience and legacy.
Located near key attractions such as Millennium Park, The Art Institute of Chicago, and the Chicago Theatre, the hotel provides an ideal base for exploring the city’s vibrant culture and landmarks. Park Hotels & Resorts CEO Thomas J. Baltimore Jr. expressed enthusiasm about repositioning this historic property to attract both business and leisure travelers.
Source : Joycelyn Marigold – PE Hospitality & Holiday News
