Headlines for Travel and and Tourism News
United Airlines Expands Global Reach with New Routes to Africa
Tourism Ministry Excluded from Cabinet in Mahama’s New Administration
Etihad Airways Launches Free Abu Dhabi Tourist Pass to Boost Tourism
United Airlines has embarked on a significant global expansion, introducing new routes to several African countries, including Morocco, Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa, and Senegal. This strategic move connects the U.S. to diverse and culturally rich destinations across the African continent.
United launched a seasonal flight from Newark Liberty International Airport to Marrakesh Menara Airport, operating three times per week during the winter months. The final flight for the current season is scheduled for March 27, 2025, with services set to resume on October 25, 2025.
The airline has increased its weekly flights from Washington, D.C., to Accra, Ghana, and plans to add more flights to Lagos, Nigeria, starting in December 2024. It continues to serve Johannesburg and Cape Town, providing travelers with direct access to these major South African cities.
Beginning May 23, 2025, United will introduce a new route from Washington Dulles International Airport to Dakar, Senegal, operating three times per week. These expansions are part of United’s broader strategy to enhance its international network, offering travelers more options and direct access to emerging destinations in Africa.
On Thursday, February 20, 2025, President John Dramani Mahama’s new administration held its inaugural Cabinet meeting, and the Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts, Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie, was notably absent from the list of 19 ministers forming the government’s key decision-making group. The omission of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts raises concerns, particularly when it held Cabinet status in the previous administration, making its absence all the more mind-boggling.
According to Statista, a global data and business intelligence platform, in 2022, the travel and tourism sector in Ghana contributed about $3.4 billion to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This was an increase from the $3.1 billion recorded in the preceding year. In 2023, the share was forecast to reach $3.6 billion, highlighting the sector’s growing importance.
Thus, the exclusion of the Tourism Minister from the government’s highest decision-making body does not sit well with some industry players who have expressed their concerns. Mr. Francis Doku, West Africa Regional Representative of Pan-African tourism advisory firm, Africa Tourism Partners, stated that tourism is a unique industry that shines a light on all others. He explained that its success is deeply intertwined with various sectors of the economy, making its omission from Cabinet a matter that requires urgent reconsideration.
Etihad Airways has introduced a complimentary Abu Dhabi pass for its passengers to encourage more tourism in the city. The pass includes a tourist SIM card with 10GB of data, unlimited access to public buses, and 24-hour access to a hop-on-hop-off bus network.
This initiative aims to enhance Abu Dhabi’s appeal as a global destination by simplifying tourists’ experiences and providing discounts at various attractions, including Qasr Al Watan, Louvre Abu Dhabi, and theme parks on Yas Island. Additionally, travelers booking through Etihad can enjoy up to two nights of free hotel stay in Abu Dhabi.
The pass contributes to Abu Dhabi’s goal of attracting 39.3 million visitors and generating AED 90 billion for the local economy by 2030. The city is also expanding its airport and hosting more cultural and entertainment events to support this growth.
Source : Joycelyn Marigold
