In today’s read;
- Accra pushes spiritual tourism into the spotlight
- Royal Air Maroc plans to ramp up its fleet
- Ghana eyes airline revival with TAP
Exploring African Spirituality as a Growing Tourism Niche in Accra
Accra’s Weizo Tourism Conference saw a compelling presentation on a growing tourism niche: African spirituality.
Adepa Sika Onyamekese, a priestess and consultant, presented African spirituality not as a fringe practice, but as a legitimate and viable sector for tourism. She highlighted the parallels between ancestral prayer in African traditions and practices within other faiths.
Spiritual tourism, unlike religious tourism, is inclusive. It welcomes individuals seeking healing, self-discovery, or connection to their ancestral heritage. This can involve visits to various sacred sites, participation in rituals, and spiritual consultations. Benin’s Vodun Festival serves as a powerful example, showcasing the potential for cultural exchange and economic growth through this type of tourism.
Onyamekese emphasized the need for collaboration between spiritual practitioners and tour operators to develop responsible and ethical packages. This requires establishing clear regulations and standards within spiritual communities to ensure accountability and manage expectations. Overcoming existing misconceptions and promoting a positive image will be key to unlocking the potential of this unique travel experience.
Royal Air Maroc Plans Fleet Expansion with Up to 200 New Aircraft Orders
Royal Air Maroc is planning a significant upgrade to its fleet.
The airline is in talks with various aircraft manufacturers to potentially purchase up to 200 new planes.
This expansion reflects Royal Air Maroc’s ambition to grow its global reach and cater to the rising demand for air travel within Africa and beyond.
The airline is carefully considering its options. These include Embraer’s E2 jets for shorter routes, Boeing 787 Dreamliners for long-haul flights, and potentially Boeing 737 MAX and Airbus A220 aircraft as well. This approach will allow Royal Air Maroc to better serve its diverse network of destinations.
Currently, Royal Air Maroc operates a fleet of 63 aircraft, primarily Boeing jets. The expansion would dramatically increase its capacity. The airline connects Casablanca to numerous locations across Africa, Europe, the Americas, and the Middle East, thanks to its membership in the oneworld alliance.
This substantial fleet renewal represents a significant investment in the future of Royal Air Maroc. The changes will allow the airline to better serve its growing customer base and strengthen its position within the global aviation market.
Ghana Explores Flag Carrier Revival Via Partnership with TAP Air Portugal
Ghana is actively pursuing the relaunch of its national airline.
Discussions are underway with TAP Air Portugal to forge a potential partnership. This collaboration aims to revitalize Ghana’s aviation sector and bolster its economic standing.
The partnership would leverage the strong historical ties between Ghana and Portugal, extending cooperation into the realm of aviation. This is expected to significantly enhance Ghana’s role as a key trade and investment hub in the region, serving a market of nearly 35 million people.
Improved air connectivity will benefit various sectors, including business tourism, conferences, and trade, both within Africa and with Europe. This presents exciting opportunities for event organizers, venues, and suppliers as Ghana positions itself as a prime destination for meetings and incentives.
That’s it for today, thank you for reading.