Author: Chukwu Godlove
Egypt approved the creation of a National Council for Health Tourism as part of efforts to position itself as a regional hub for medical and wellness travel, the Cabinet said following its weekly meeting on Tuesday. Chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister for Human Development, the new council will oversee the regulation, quality control, and promotion of Egypt’s health tourism services — a sector the country hopes will attract more foreign currency inflows and support the broader economy. The council will be empowered to set national strategy, issue binding decisions, and develop international-standard service benchmarks. It will also establish a…
Image: Unsplash Nepal is preparing to tighten access to Mount Everest, allowing only climbers who’ve previously summited a 7,000-metre peak within its borders to apply for permits. As per a draft law registered in the National Assembly, climbers would need to provide evidence of summiting at least one 7,000-metre peak within Nepal before attempting Everest. The draft law aims to curb overcrowding, reduce fatalities, and address environmental degradation on the 8,849-metre mountain. Nepal’s reliance on mountaineering tourism—contributing significantly to foreign exchange earnings—has long been shadowed by criticism over lax permit regulations. In 2023, the government issued 478 Everest permits, resulting…
A new chip-embedded polycarbonate passport with unique security features to enhance broader security, reduce identity fraud, and streamline international travels for Ghanaians is being rolled out today by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The security features of the chip-embedded passport include a nanotechnology and micro radio frequency identification (RFID) chips and a state-of-the-art multi-layer compressed polymer that guaranteed the integrity of the document against conventional document crimes. Speaking at a news conference in Accra on Wednesday, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, said the chip-embedded passport met the highest standards of security and authenticity as it aligned…
As cold temperatures quickly begin to draw near, families can take advantage of the season to explore South Africa’s diverse landscapes and attractions. Picture: Sourced From thrilling safaris to exciting theme parks, there’s something for everyone. Here are some family-friendly activities to consider this winter: Safari adventures Picture: iStock / ludex Winter is an excellent time for a safari as the dry season makes wildlife spotting easier. The Kruger National Park, one of the largest game reserves in Africa, offers families the chance to see the Big Five up close. Plus, many lodges and camps cater to families, providing child-friendly…
The Executive Secretary, Kwara State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Abdulsalam Abdulkadir, has said inaugural flight for intending pilgrims from the state will commence on May, 12, from Ilorin International Airport to Saudi Arabia. Abdulkadir disclosed this on Sunday at the enlightenment programme organized for all its intending pilgrims for this year’s exercise. According to him, Kwara will have four flights each boarding 550 to airlift the 2,174 intending pilgrims from the state. He said the airlifting will be concluded on May 17, a day after the third batch and three days after the airlifting of the second batch. In…
As the scorching summer days mellow into crisp mornings and golden afternoons, South Africa dons its most underrated wardrobe — the russet, amber, and copper hues of autumn. From forested highlands to rolling wine valleys, the country offers a surprisingly rich canvas for leaf lovers and photographers alike. South Africa’s blend of indigenous forests, introduced deciduous trees, and cultivated vineyards makes for a uniquely beautiful autumn experience. Here’s where to go when chasing the season’s warmest colours. Hogsback – Eastern Cape Picture/Wikivoyage Best time to go: Mid-to-late AprilTucked high in the Amathole Mountains, Hogsback feels like it’s been plucked from…
The Group Managing Director of Finchglow Holdings Limited and former President of National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA), Bankole Bernard, has explained that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) introduced stringent visa policy in order to prevent those that would come to the country to compromise security and engage in fraudulent activities from having access to its visas. In July last year, the UAE lifted visa ban for Nigerians but introduced very strict visa regime that made it very difficult for many Nigerians to obtain visa and travel to the popular destinations, Dubai and other cities in the Emirates. Bernard…
One of my favourite things to do on holiday is start the day with an aromatic cappuccino in bed, staring at a picturesque view. In this calm moment before the day unfolds, I enjoy the silence and being in the present, paying attention to the textures, birdsong, and how the light shifts as the sun rises. The five lodges listed below are some of my favourites if you’re looking for beds with the best views in Africa.My selection of beds with the best views in Africa, Image Credit: Victoria Falls River Lodge.Angama Mara, KenyaIn the local language of Swahili, Angama…
A large-scale power outage plunged much of the Iberian Peninsula into darkness on Tuesday, disrupting transport, cutting off internet and mobile networks, and stranding millions of people across Spain and Portugal. By early Tuesday, the majority of the affected areas had regained power. Red Eléctrica de España (REE), the country’s national grid operator, reported that more than 90% of mainland Spain had electricity restored by morning. Power was also back in Madrid and Portugal’s capital, Lisbon. Picture/AP News Widespread impact, uncertain cause The blackout swept across nearly the entire peninsula, which has a combined population of nearly 60 million, affecting…
The bill got unanimous approval by 70 MPs who were present at the Monday plenary sitting. The Chamber of Deputies on Monday, April 28, passed a bill to implement a tourism tax on accommodation, which is expected to take effect on July 1, 2025. The tax, set at 3 per cent of accommodation charges (exclusive of value-added tax), will apply to all registered accommodation businesses, including hotels, motels, lodges, apartments, and Airbnb facilities. The bill got unanimous approval by 70 MPs who were present at the Monday plenary sitting. ALSO READ: Rwanda introduces ‘tourism levy’ to boost investments This new…