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Coming up in this bulletin
Ghana Tourism Authority Report Highlights Top Destinations in 2023
ITA Airways Receives Approval to Launch Flights to Accra, Ghana.
Arabian Travel Market 2024 to focus on innovation and entrepreneurship in tourism.
To our first story
ITA Airways, a European carrier, has received approval from the Ministry of Transport and the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority to commence commercial flights to Accra.
The airline will operate a four-time weekly direct flight from Rome, Italy, to Accra, with flight schedules to be announced soon.
Mrs. Yvonne Nana Afriyie Opare, Managing Director of Ghana Airports Company Limited, expressed excitement about the approval and upcoming launch, highlighting that ITA Airways’ entry will enrich the diverse portfolio of airlines at Kotoka International Airport.
The inaugural flight is scheduled for June 6, 2024, coinciding with the summer peak travel season.
ITA Airways’ presence in the Ghanaian aviation industry will enhance flight options and connectivity, making it the 24th international airline to operate in Accra alongside other major carriers like British Airways, Emirates, Delta Air Lines, and many others.
Moving on
The Ghana Tourism Authority’s 2023 report highlights Manhyia Palace as one of Ghana’s top ten tourist destinations, drawing 57,319 visitors, constituting 4% of total visits.
The Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park leads the list with 208,577 tourists (15%), followed by the National Museum (166,884 visitors, 12%) and Kakum National Park (159,271 visitors, 11%).
Renovations at the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park and the National Museum have elevated their status, surpassing anticipated visitor numbers and solidifying their positions as premier tourist attractions in Ghana.
Overall, the top ten sites welcomed a remarkable 1,157,632 tourists in 2023.
Still staying on tourist sites
According to the Ghana Tourism Authority’s 2023 report , Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park was the most visited tourist site in Ghana with 208,577 visitors .
This follows its renovation and reopening in July last year.
President Akufo-Addo has emphasized the significance of the park, which hadn’t seen renovation since its establishment in 1991, noting its modernization to honor Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first president.
On the International Front
The Arabian Travel Market 2024 (ATM) is set to take place from May 6th to May 9th at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
Despite the cancellation of the official press conference due to adverse weather conditions, organizers and partners are committed to the event.
With over 2,300 exhibitors from 165 countries expected, the theme “Empowering Innovation: Transforming Travel Through Entrepreneurship” will be explored.
The event will feature two stages – the Global Stage and the new Future Stage, hosting industry speakers and highlighting emerging trends.
A focus on entrepreneurship will be evident with a new summit and a Start-Up Pitch Battle. Participation from hotel brands and travel technology products has increased significantly.
New destinations like China, Macao, Kenya, Guatemala, and Columbia will be introduced.
A dedicated India Summit will discuss the market’s potential. Sustainability remains a key focus, aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Strategic partners include the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, Emirates, IHG Hotels & Resorts, and Al Rais Travel.
Source: African Property Magazine – Joycen Marigold & Thelma Owusu Ansah
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