Mavis Owusu-Gyamfi’s Post

#Ghana is seeing a significant rise in tourism, and for good reason! This beautiful country offers something for everyone – stunning beaches, rich culture, delicious food, and warm hospitality. According to Ghana Tourism Authority, Ghana received over 1.1 million international arrivals in 2023, representing a 24.58% increase compared to 2022. Domestic tourism is also flourishing, with over 1.4 million Ghanaians exploring their own country in 2023. Here are some of the highlights driving Ghana's tourism boom: #Increased flight connectivity: More international airlines are now offering flights to Ghana, making it easier than ever to get there. #Growing number of hotels and cultural programs: Ghana's hospitality sector is expanding rapidly, offering a wider range of accommodation options for visitors. #Focus on sustainable tourism: #Ghana is committed to developing its tourism industry in a sustainable way, protecting its natural beauty and cultural heritage. #GhanaTourism #TravelAfrica #Wanderlust #ExploreGhana #TourismBoost

It's Wildebeest Migration season in Maasai Mara but tourists are instead opting to witness this years migration in the Serengeti due to the drastic increase in gate fees imposed in Kenya earlier this year. Maasai Mara park fees, that was previously $70 per person for foreigners, has recently increased to $200 per person - an approximate 286% increase. And it's not just foreigners that are affected. Kenyans who aren't residents of Narok county have also experienced a 3x increase in park fees from Ksh. 1,000 to Ksh. 3,000. The Narok government finalised this decision in December but I am still to understand why. From my point of view, this increase does more harm to the Kenyan tourism industry than good. Considering tourism is one of the top contributors to Kenya's GDP, why would we ward off tourists to our neighbouring countries who have maintained their park fees? The Narok Governor, Patrick Ole Ntutu, insisted that the increased park fees inside the Mara is meant to improve service delivery for all stakeholders. How so? Tour operators have diverted their tours to neighbouring countries, hotel owners have reported a decrease in the number of booking. Which stakeholders are benefiting from this? Maasai Mara, a destination that is already not accessible to local tourists due to high prices, is heavily dependant on foreign tourism. By increasing these prices, hasn't the Narok County Council (who control the reserve) bit the hand that feeds them? #MagicalKenya #Tourism #TourisminKenya #KenyaTourism #MaasaiMara #WildebeestMigration #Serengeti #FoodForThought

In recent years, Pakistan has emerged as a multifaceted destination, showcasing a vibrant blend of cultural richness, historical significance, and natural beauty. One of the key drivers behind the nation’s growth lies in the symbiotic relationship between the real estate and tourism sectors. This interconnection has not only fueled economic development but has also contributed significantly to the country’s global appeal. In this blog, we will delve into the intricate web of how real estate and tourism are mutually reinforcing, propelling Pakistan into a new era of growth and prosperity. #RealEstateTourismSynergy #BalancingHeritageAndDevelopment #TourismOpportunities #SustainablePakistan #InfrastructureForTourism #ResponsibleTourism #CulturalConservation https://lnkd.in/d3cmprSd

The Minister of Tourism, Mrs. Lola Ade-John, has urged tourism operators not to be discouraged by Nigeria’s insecurity challenges when marketing the country as a top destination. Speaking at the Eighth Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the National Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) in Ilorin, she highlighted that many countries face similar issues. “This meeting helps us express what we have in Nigeria. We are not creating the experiences we should. Forget the security challenge; every country has security issues. Don’t let it deter you from promoting Nigeria,” she said. Ade-John called attention to the importance of promoting unique experiences in Nigeria, such as its beautiful beaches and diverse communities. She encouraged Nigerians to speak positively about their country and work with the National Orientation Agency @NOA_Nigeria to instill national pride. Mr. Onung Nkereuwem, Chairman of NATOP’s Board of Trustees, praised the progress in marketing Nigeria despite economic challenges. He encouraged unity, collaboration and innovation within the tourism sector. Mrs. Ime Udo, National President of NATOP, noted the AGM’s role in identifying and promoting destinations, engaging policymakers and fostering infrastructure development. Mr. Bayo Adedeji, Group CEO of Wakanow, underlined the importance of domestic tourism for boosting Nigeria’s GDP, advocating for partnerships within the tourism industry. Dr. Kabir Masanawai, Executive Director of Economic Development and Investment, called for continued support of local festivals and increased youth engagement in promoting tourism. #Tourism #Nigeria #TravelNigeria #Insecurity #TourOperators #NationalPride #LocalTourism #EconomicDevelopment #CulturalExchange #DomesticTourism

Africa Sun Exits Great Zimbabwe Hotel and Beitbridge Express: A Shift in Zimbabwe’s Tourism Landscape Africa Sun has sold its Great Zimbabwe Hotel and Beitbridge Express Hotel after years of underperformance. Despite being near major tourism landmarks, both properties struggled to turn a profit, signaling broader challenges within Zimbabwe's tourism and hospitality sectors. The Great Zimbabwe Hotel, located near the historic Great Zimbabwe Monument, faced low tourist traffic and high operational costs, while the Beitbridge Express Hotel, positioned at a key border crossing, also underperformed due to insufficient visitor numbers. This development presents opportunities for new investors to revitalize these iconic sites. For the Great Zimbabwe area, adding more tourism experiences—such as an active cultural village, enhanced archaeological tours, and local craft markets—could attract more visitors and boost the region’s economic viability. For Zimbabwe’s property and tourism investors, this shift signals the need for innovative solutions and diversified tourism experiences to unlock the full potential of heritage-rich areas. **#ZimPropertyDigest #ZimbabweTourism #HospitalityIndustry #GreatZimbabwe #RealEstateInvestments #TourismTrends #HeritageSites https://lnkd.in/dW8iQ_uu

Local tourism is a powerhouse for economic and social growth. It brings in significant revenue, creating jobs for communities around the world. In fact, tourism contributes to around 10% of global GDP, making it one of the fastest-growing economic sectors When you visit local tourist sites, you inject money into the local economy, which can lead to infrastructure development, improved services, and overall well-being for you the tourist. Girls Goal Getters, as a community, we are mostly motivated by the social benefits of tourism which are: 1.👋 #Cultural Exchange: Tourism ensures the understanding and appreciation between visitors and local communities, promoting heritage and preserving traditions. 2. 👋#Community Development: Tourism revenue can support local projects and initiatives, enhancing the quality of life for residents. This is why, over the past two years, we have incorporated our school desks donation into our #LadiesWeekOutProject. 3. 👋#Environmental Conservation: Sustainable tourism practices encourage the protection of natural resources and preservation of ecosystems. When you have the time to visit these beautiful landscapes, your natural inclination is to preserve them in any way you can. If you haven't been to any local tourist site in Ghana, prepare yourself and take a long weekend to enjoy local tourism like Priscilla Aklorbortu

Uganda’s tourism sector is experiencing a significant boom, with a remarkable 26% increase in tourist arrivals during the first half of 2024. Stakeholders say, this growth is driven by enhanced collective marketing efforts, MICE and improved infrastructure, underscoring the nation’s rising appeal as a prime travel destination in Africa. Uganda, often referred to as the “Pearl of Africa,” primarily for its national parks, mountains, lake Victoria and river Nile among others has in the past recent seen exponential growth in the tourism sector. However, because of the onset of covid-19, the sector grappled with the effects of pandemic including miminal travels both domestic and foreign bringing a sharp drop of tourist arrivals from 1.5 Million international arrivals in 2019 to 800,000 in 2022. With fully opening of the economy accompanied by promotion initiatives, the numbers sour to 1.3M by the end of 2023. The sector has further witnessed recovery with a substantial rise in tourist arrivals in the first six months of 2024. With 704,012 international tourists in the first two quarters of 2024 up from 558678 in 2023 registering a 26% growth rate. Vivian Lyazi, the commissioner of tourism development in the ministry of tourism, attributes this growth to a number of marketing representatives distributed across key potential tourist countries. https://lnkd.in/dzE9dWkP #uganda #aviation #blueberrytravels #explore

Today, we celebrate World Tourism Day, a reminder of the vast potential tourism holds for boosting economies, fostering cultural exchange, and creating sustainable growth for nations around the world. Tourism is more than just travel; it’s a driver of socio-economic development, generating jobs, supporting local businesses, and uplifting communities. According to the UNWTO, the tourism industry accounts for 10% of global GDP and employs 1 in 10 people worldwide. Imagine the transformation that harnessing this potential could bring to Nigeria! Nigeria has immense untapped tourism potential. With its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and vibrant cities, we have what it takes to become a leading destination for travellers. By investing in infrastructure, safety, and marketing, we can position Nigeria as a sustainable tourism hub. However, to truly harness tourism’s potential, we must also focus on sustainability. We need to ensure that as we grow the industry, we’re protecting our environment, supporting local communities, and creating long-term benefits for future generations. As we celebrate World Tourism Day, let’s reflect on how tourism can contribute to our shared future. How can we support Nigeria’s tourism industry to foster growth, create jobs, and uplift communities? The answer lies in strategic investment, collaboration, and sustainable practices. Let’s work together to unlock Nigeria’s tourism potential and drive socio-economic development that benefits us all. What steps do you think Nigeria can take to boost tourism and maximize its impact on the economy? Share your thoughts with me in the comments #WorldTourismDay #sustainabletourism #nigeriatourism #socioeconomicdevelopment #greeneconomy #tourismforgrowth #culturalexchange

The Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Tourism have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing the security of tourists in Kenya. The agreement, signed by Interior CS kithure kindiki and Tourism CS CS Rebecca Miano,EGH, focuses on strengthening cooperation with the National Police Service (NPS) to ensure a safe and positive experience for both domestic and international tourists. This collaboration will provide essential resources and logistical support to the Tourism Police Unit (TPU) through the Tourism Fund, further boosting the sector's potential for growth. The initiative aligns intending to increase foreign tourist arrivals from 2 million to 5 million by 2027, with the target of reaching 10 million visitors by 2032. CS Kindiki emphasized that the MoU would create more job opportunities in the country by expanding the tourism sector, while CS Miano revealed that Kenya generated Sh142.5 billion in tourism revenue during the first half of 2024. This growth is attributed to the rise in visitor numbers, which saw international arrivals increase by 21.3% compared to the same period in 2023. In addition to the international growth, domestic tourism also experienced a positive trend, with 2.25 million bed nights recorded in 2024, reflecting a 10% increase from the previous year. Both ministries are committed to making tourism a leading contributor to foreign exchange and job creation in Kenya. Kenya Wildlife Service Kenya Tourism Board #TourismSecurity #KenyaTourism #MOU #TravelSafety #EconomicGrowth #TourismPoliceUnit #JobCreation #Kenya

Nigeria's new visa-free entry policy for 23 countries, including major nations like China, South Africa, Brazil, and Turkey, is a significant move to boost its tourism industry. Here are some thoughts on this development: Economic Boost: Facilitating easier entry can significantly boost tourism, increasing revenue for local businesses, creating jobs, and stimulating the economy. Cultural Exchange: Encouraging tourists from diverse countries fosters cultural exchange, promoting mutual understanding and enriching the local culture. Infrastructure and Services: To fully capitalize on this policy, Nigeria may need to invest in improving its infrastructure and services to handle the expected increase in visitors effectively. Regional Influence: This move could position Nigeria as a more attractive destination in Africa, potentially increasing its influence and fostering stronger international relationships. Security Considerations: Implementing robust security measures will be crucial to ensure the safety of both tourists and locals, maintaining a positive image for the country. Overall, this policy is a promising step towards enhancing Nigeria's tourism sector, provided it is supported by adequate infrastructure, services, and security measures. #Nigeria #Travel #Tourism #TravelGram #BucketList #TravelPhotography #Wanderlust #Visa @Ministry of Culture and Tourism Nigeria