Headlines for Travel and Tourism News
Virgin Atlantic to Relaunch Daily Flights from Accra to London in May 2025″
Joseph Owiredu Wins Best Young Innovator Award at Africa Tourism Leadership Forum
UNWTO Highlights Connectivity Challenges in Africa’s Growing Tourism Sector at ATLF 2024
Virgin Atlantic will resume daily flights between Accra and London Heathrow starting May 1, 2025, marking its return to Ghana after suspending services in 2013.
The airline will operate using Airbus A330-300 and A330-900 Neo aircraft, offering Upper Class, Premium, and Economy cabins.
This new service responds to the growing demand from the UK’s third-largest Ghanaian diaspora and aims to enhance competition on the route.
Additionally, Virgin Atlantic will provide 30 tons of cargo capacity per flight for goods such as fresh produce between Ghana, the UK, and the US.
Wanderlust Ghana is gearing up for an epic 30,000-kilometer road trip from Accra to Paris, Dubai, and finally Cape Town, crossing 30 countries in three months.
At a vibrant send-off at the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, CEO Kwabena Peprah shared his excitement with JoyNews, emphasizing that this journey aims to put Ghana on the global tourism map.
Despite potential challenges like car issues, Peprah remains optimistic and eager for the adventure ahead.
The Ghana Tourism Authority and the Ministry of Tourism are partnering with Wanderlust, with CEO Akwasi Agyeman noting the significant tourism mileage this venture will bring to Ghana.
Joseph Owiredu, a young Ghanaian entrepreneur and CEO of Fihankra ComTech Limited, won the Best Young Innovator Award at the 7th Africa Tourism Leadership Forum (ATLF) and Awards, held at the Gaborone International Convention Centre from September 3rd to 6th, 2024.
His startup, which focuses on developing personal safety and security innovations for Africa’s tourism industry, earned him this recognition from over 154 entries in the Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Challenge.
Despite being shortlisted as one of the top three innovators after the summit in May 2024, Owiredu was unable to attend the awards ceremony due to unforeseen circumstances.
At the 7th Edition of the 2024 Africa Tourism Leadership Forum (ATLF), UNWTO Regional Director for Africa, Elcia Grandcourt, highlighted that while tourism in Africa is growing, connectivity remains a significant challenge.
The UNWTO is working to address this by simplifying visa entry requirements, digitalizing visa procedures, and advocating for a unified air transport market. Enhancing connectivity is seen as essential for boosting both international and intra-regional tourism.
Botswana’s Vice President, Slumber Tsogwane, also emphasized the country’s commitment to tourism, noting its significant economic impact and the government’s efforts to develop the sector through a reviewed Tourism Policy and a National Tourism Strategy and Master Plan.
Source ; Joycelyn Marigold -Africa Home Building News
