Headlines for Travel and Tourism News
Experts warn of tourism, diplomatic fallout as U.S. considers Ghana for expanded travel ban
Ghana to Host FESTAC Africa 2025 in Accra with Bold Pan-African Agenda
Israel Cancels Flights Amid Regional Tensions
Experts say Ghana’s inclusion in a proposed expanded travel ban list by the Trump administration could significantly impact tourism, business travel, and diplomatic relations between Accra and Washington.According to a Washington Post report, the United States is considering adding 36 countries—including Ghana—to a new wave of immigration restrictions. A leaked memo from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, sent to American diplomats, outlines reasons such as high visa overstay rates, poor identity documentation systems, government corruption, and concerns about anti-American activities.
The countries, mostly in Africa and the Caribbean, have reportedly been given a 60-day deadline to submit action plans that address the U.S. government’s security and immigration concerns. Failure to meet the conditions may result in visa bans or other travel limitations.
Ghana is joined on the list by nations such as Nigeria, Egypt, Ethiopia, Uganda, and Cameroon, all of which have strong bilateral ties with the U.S. The memo also mentions that countries offering citizenship through monetary investment without requiring residency have been flagged for potential abuse.
Although no official statement has been made by the U.S. State Department or the White House, the move is being seen as a further tightening of immigration under the Trump-led administration. If implemented, the measure would expand an earlier proclamation issued on June 4, which fully restricted entry from 13 countries and partially restricted 7 others.
There are concerns that such restrictions, if enforced, could discourage tourism and business travel from Ghana, and affect the thousands of Ghanaian nationals living in the US.
Chairman of the FESTAC Africa Renaissance Festival, Yinka Abioye.
Describing the upcoming edition as a “powerful celebration of Africa’s unity, heritage, and shared future,” organisers say the event is more than a festival—it is a cultural revolution aimed at sparking a continental awakening around Pan-African ideals, cultural reclamation, and economic transformation.
“FESTAC Africa 2025 is not just an event; it is the heartbeat of a rising continent,” said Abioye. “Ghana stands ready, not only to host, but to unite Africa in spirit, purpose, and pride. From the land of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, a new Africa shall rise.”
The festival will open on September 21, which coincides with the birthday of Ghana’s founding father and Pan-African icon, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, and will close on September 27—World Tourism Day—underscoring the festival’s strategic link to Africa’s global tourism ambitions.
The theme for this edition is “Harnessing Health, Culture, Trade, Climate Change, Gender Equity, and Tourism for Sustainable Economic Growth.” Organisers say this theme calls for culture to take centre stage in Africa’s development while aligning with environmental sustainability, gender equality, and inclusive governance.
FESTAC Africa 2025 is expected to attract thousands of participants from across the continent and the diaspora, uniting artists, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and cultural leaders in a week-long celebration of African resilience, innovation, and identity.
The Salaga Slave Market in the East Gonja Municipality of Ghana’s Savannah Region, once a central hub in the trans-Atlantic slave trade, lies in ruins despite its historical importance. Once the largest slave market in the area, it is now abandoned, with relics like chains, wells, and cemeteries left to decay. Tour guides lament that diaspora visitors often leave disappointed due to the site’s poor condition.
Similarly, the Salaga Market in Accra—linked to the main site and believed to have tunnels leading to Ussher Fort—has also deteriorated. Traders operate in unhygienic conditions as redevelopment efforts promised over two decades ago remain stalled.
The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) says redevelopment plans are underway, including a “Slave Routes Tour Package” to link Salaga, Cape Coast, and Elmina. The initiative aims to preserve history and boost tourism, but years of inaction have cast doubt on its success.
El Al, Israel’s national airline, has suspended flights to multiple destinations including Moscow, Tokyo, and several European cities until June 23, 2025. The decision comes in response to growing security concerns due to escalating tensions in the Middle East. The airline had initially halted operations until June 17 but extended the suspension for safety reasons.
Authorities are monitoring the situation, and El Al is offering rescue flights to assist stranded passengers. Travelers are advised to stay updated on flight schedules and remain flexible with their travel plans.
Source : Joycelyn Marigold – Travel & Tourism News
