Headlines for Travel and Tourism News
Emirates inaugurates experiential Emirates Travel Store in Accra
Best Assurance bounces back with new worldwide travel insurance policies
Foreign travel spending in U.S. to decline 7% in 2025, report says
Emirates has officially opened its first experiential Emirates Travel Store in West Africa, choosing Accra, Ghana, as the flagship location. Situated at the high-profile Stanbic Heights in Airport City, the launch of the store reinforces the airline’s deepening relationship with Ghana and highlights its commitment to enhancing customer service through innovation and personalised experiences.
The Accra store is Emirates’ 13th globally and was inaugurated on May 16, 2025, by Adil Al Ghaith, Senior Vice President Commercial Operations, Centre. Also present at the event were Ghana’s Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, and Minister of Transport, Joseph Nikpe, along with other key dignitaries, trade stakeholders and media partners.”
The Emirates Travel Store combines interactive technology with expert consultation, offering visitors a luxurious open-plan lounge experience across its 310-square-metre space. One of the main attractions is a life-size replica of the iconic Emirates A380 Onboard Lounge, giving customers a glimpse of the premium travel experiences that await from Dubai and beyond.
Smart features include a selfie mirror with scenic backgrounds for travel inspiration, self-service kiosks for quicker bookings, and five staffed counters providing comprehensive assistance with reservations, itinerary planning, and general travel inquiries.
Since beginning operations in Ghana in 2004, Emirates has flown over 2 million passengers, connecting them to destinations such as Dubai, India, Canada, Singapore and Australia. The airline currently operates daily flights to Accra with a three-class Boeing 777 aircraft.This new travel retail concept is expected to further solidify Emirates’ role in promoting Ghana’s aviation, tourism, and trade growth, while providing a modern and inspiring touchpoint for both seasoned travellers and first-time flyers.
Best Assurance Company, a Ghanaian non-life insurer, is reasserting its presence in the market with the upcoming launch of its Worldwide Travel Insurance products, in partnership with Spanish global assistance firm, Mapfre Assistencia.
Under this collaboration, Best Assurance will underwrite travel policies for Ghanaian clients, while Mapfre will act as both reinsurer and service provider, handling 70% of the risk and managing claims outside Ghana. This ensures policyholders receive high-quality, efficient services globally, including medical transport, repatriation, and assistance with emergencies such as lost passports or trip cancellations.
The new travel insurance packages—Traveler, Pearl, Family, Economy, and Europe—offer cover in either USD or Euros, depending on destination. Coverage extends up to 365 days and includes medical and non-medical support, with student-friendly options available.
Mapfre, a major player in Spain and Latin America, brings strong global credibility to the partnership. Its digital unit, Mawdy Worldwide Digital Assistance, enhances distribution and service delivery.
This move positions Best Assurance at the forefront of Ghana’s travel insurance sector, offering comprehensive, international-standard protection to Ghanaian travellers.
International travel spending in the United States is projected to decline by approximately 7% in 2025, equating to a $12.5 billion loss. This downturn is attributed to political uncertainties and a strong U.S. dollar, which are prompting foreign visitors to consider alternative destinations. The World Travel and Tourism Council highlights that these factors are influencing travel decisions, leading to a decrease in inbound tourism to the U.S.
Additionally, the U.S. Department of Commerce reports a significant drop in international arrivals as of March 2025, particularly from key source markets. This trend underscores the challenges faced by the U.S. tourism industry in attracting foreign visitors amidst global economic and political shifts.
Source : Joycelyn Marigold , African Property Magazine
