Culture

Morocco makes top travel destinations for 2023

Published

2 years ago

January 4, 2023

Morocco has been designated by the Washington Post as one of the world’s top travel destinations for the year 2023.

In its special edition which will be published on Friday, the highly respected US-based media company featured the North African country as a “major travel hot spot.”

The publication cited tourism experts and the influx of tourists into the country before and after the 2022 FIFA World Cup where the Moroccan national football team made history by reaching the semi-finals of the tournament.

In the special report, one of the experts, James Thornton, CEO of Intrepid Travel, told the Washington Post that his company believes Morocco will continue to be “incredibly popular in 2023, given the increase in flights into the destination and the ability to get out and have great experiences in one week, 10 day or two-week itineraries.”

The newspaper also quoted other experts including the Vice President of Experiences for Modern Adventure, who said that the company had a 53% increase in bookings compared to 2022 for Morocco.

“If you’re worried about your travel budget, consider visiting as a work exchange volunteer like reporter Andrea Sachs tried in Fez,” the Washington Post report said.

The Post’s coverage is following on the heels of a similar report by the New York Times last year which highlighted the tourist appeal of Morocco’s Essaouira.

In the feature published on December 29, the Times zoomed in on the Moroccan city and its must-see sites and among fun activities to try in Essaouira, the Times advised its readers to visit several places, including the city’s port, to explore the “distinctive blue fishing boats” and fish markets.

The New York Times listed spots like the Salut Maroc Hotel, Dar Baba’s restaurant, and the Le Real Mogador art gallery as Morocco’s cultural diversity and cuisine have continued to put the country on the lists of many tourists from across the world.

Related Topics:Featured Morocco Tourism Washington Post

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Culture

UNESCO lists Ghana’s Kente cloth as cultural heritage

Published

22 hours ago

December 18, 2024

Isaac Dachen

The iconic Ghanaian Kente, a piece of clothing, has been recognized as a cultural heritage on UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The global recognition, according to the UN body, is coming under the 2003 Convention for Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage highlights the cultural and historical significance of the vibrant, handwoven textile.

In a citation on its website, UNESCO describes the Kente cloth as “originating from Ghana’s Asante and Ewe communities and renowned worldwide for its bold colors, intricate patterns, and deep symbolic meanings, embodying the creativity and identity of the Ghanaian people.”

Ghana’s Tourism Minister, Andrew Egyapa Mercer, described the recognition as a testament to Ghana’s commitment to preserving its cultural heritage.

“This achievement places Ghana at the forefront of global efforts to safeguard and celebrate cultural traditions,” he noted.

In a statement acknowledging the recognition, Mercer said the “Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MoTAC) expressed gratitude to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, UNESCO, and the artisans, cultural institutions, and traditional authorities who contributed to this milestone.”

“Special acknowledgement is given to the Bonwire and Agotime communities for their enduring role as custodians of the craft.

“As Ghana celebrates this historic moment, MoTAC reaffirms its dedication to promoting and preserving the nation’s rich cultural legacy.”

Culture

Ghanaian singer Afua Asantewaa takes another shot at GWR with sing-a-thon

Published

5 days ago

December 14, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Ghanaian singer, Afua Asantewaa, is set to take another shot at the Guinness World Record (GWR) for the longest singing marathon by an individual.

In December 2023, Asantewaa had embarked on the sing-a-thon aiming to surpass the existing record held by Indian Sunil Waghmare, who sang for an impressive 105 hours from March 3 to March 7, 2012.

But despite her determination, her attempt fell short, resulting in her disqualification by the GWR from claiming the title.

In a statement announcing her second attempt for the sing-a-thon, Asantewaa’s manager, Gladys Osei Owiredu, said the songstress was determined to break the existing record as preparations are in full swing for her to take on the challenge.

According to Owiredu, the sing-a-thon which is scheduled to take place from December 21 to 25 at the Heroes’ Park, Baba Yara Stadium, Kumasi, will once again focus on Ghanaian songs with the aim of promoting local music to a global audience.

“I can confirm that she is ready for the task ahead. It’s been challenging, by way of preparations, but I can say she is ready,” said Owiredu.

“And like the first attempt, we are doing strictly Ghanaian songs. The objective is to promote our songs. We succeeded in doing so during the first attempt in Accra, and we believe it will reach greater heights in the second attempt,” she said.

Owiredu added that Asantewaa’s second attempt aims to exceed her previous achievement and further amplify the cultural significance of Ghanaian music on an international stage.

Asantewaa’s record-breaking endeavour has garnered the backing of several corporate organisations in Ghana including International Maritime Hospital, Ike’s Cafe and Grill, Ghana Gas, Nasco Electronics, Perla Natural Mineral Water, Anointed Electrical Engineering, Zoomlion Ghana Limited, and Angel Group Limited.

“With the unwavering support of these sponsors and the determination of the Singathon team, all eyes will be on Kumasi as Afua Asantewaa takes to the stage for this monumental feat.
Ghana awaits with bated breath as she strives to make history,” Owiredu stated.