Headlines forr Travel and Touriism News
The Ghana Tourism Authority inaugurates Public-Private Partnership Department to boost collaboration between government and private stakeholdersGhanaian IT expert, Nicholas Bortey appointed as an adjudicator for the 2025 Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit and Challenge
U.S. is rolling out new international baggage screening protocols, allowing Customs officers to remotely scan checked luggage from foreign airports before arrival.
The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has inaugurated a new Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Department to boost collaboration between government and private stakeholders in the tourism sector. CEO Maame Efua Houadjeto said the initiative, based on Section 42 of the Tourism Act 2011, aims to align policy, investment, and sustainable development. Jones Aruna Nelson, appointed Director of the PPP Department, highlighted ongoing projects like the Black Star Experience.
Bright Asempa Tsadidey was also introduced as the new Director of Corporate Affairs. The Ghana Tourism Federation (GHATOF) welcomed the move, pledging full support to enhance Ghana’s competitiveness as a tourism destination.
Renowned Ghanaian IT expert and CEO of Liranz Consulting, Nicholas Bortey, has been appointed as an adjudicator for the 2025 Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit and Challenge, set to take place in Johannesburg from June 24 to 26.
Organised by Africa Tourism Partners, the summit aims to promote innovation and entrepreneurship in Africa’s tourism sector. With over two decades of experience in IT strategy and digital innovation, Bortey will play a key role in evaluating projects and ideas presented at the event. His appointment underscores his expertise and growing influence across both the IT and tourism sectors.
The U.S. State Department has issued updated travel advisories for Colombia, Burkina Faso, and Ghana, urging caution due to various safety risks. Colombia remains at a Level 3 advisory—“Reconsider Travel”—due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping, with recent updates focusing on the latter two.
Burkina Faso also faces serious threats of terrorism and kidnapping. In Ghana, women and LGBTQIA+ travelers are advised to take extra precautions. Travelers are encouraged to check advisory levels and country information pages before visiting.
In global travel updates, the U.S. is rolling out new international baggage screening protocols, allowing Customs officers to remotely scan checked luggage from foreign airports before arrival. At the same time, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has implemented new rules requiring travelers from South Korea to carry lithium power banks only in hand luggage.
Meanwhile, select U.S. airports including Atlanta, JFK, and LAX now permit full-sized liquids and a wider range of items in carry-ons, thanks to advanced CT scanners.
The new baggage policy introduced by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) marks a significant evolution in how international travel security is handled. Known as the International Remote Baggage Screening initiative, this policy allows CBP officers to remotely screen checked luggage from foreign airports before the flights even arrive on U.S. soil
Through this system, X-ray images of checked baggage are transmitted in real time to CBP officials located in the United States. These officers can analyze the contents for potential threats, contraband, or anomalies without physically handling the bags or waiting for arrival at a U.S. port of entry.
This screening is integrated into a broader strategy of preclearance, which allows certain international travelers and their luggage to be vetted before they arrive in the U.S. CBP currently operates such preclearance facilities at select foreign airports, including locations in Canada, the Caribbean, Ireland, and the Middle East.
This initiative reflects the U.S. government’s increasing use of remote and predictive technology in travel and homeland security. It also suggests a future where biometric data, AI-based threat detection, and international information-sharing become even more integrated into global air travel.
Source : Joycelyn Marigold – African Property Magazine
