Connect with us

Culture

Egypt projects significant rise of 13.1m tourist visits by end of 2023

Published

on

The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism has projected a significant rise in tourist visits to 13.1 million by the end of 2023.

The projection will be a remarkable achievement for the tourism industry in the North African country following a lull occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic of 2019 which had a negative impact on the sector, the Ministry said in a statement on Tuesday.

The prediction notes that Egypt’s Alamein city recently spotlighted the “significant surge in the number of tourists arriving in the country, particularly following the cessation of lockdowns due to the COVID-19 pandemic.”

It added that the global health crisis gravely impacted the tourism industry worldwide, but according to several reports from international agencies including the American Fitch Solutions, Egypt’s tourism sector is anticipated to continue its recovery.

“The Egyptian Center for Thought and Studies highlighted a notable growth in tourism. There was an astounding 117.5% annual increase in 2021, registering 8 million tourists compared to 3.7 million in 2020,” a report by Fitch said.

“As 2023 progresses, the inflow of tourists is expected to surpass the pre-pandemic levels of 2019. This surge can be attributed to the pent-up demand for travel following lockdowns and the resolution of the Russo-Ukrainian crisis,” it said.

Fitch Solutions also predicts a further 11.6% annual rise in incoming tourists, with numbers reaching 13.1 million in 2023 compared to 11.7 million in 2022.

“This growth will positively impact the nation’s tourism revenue, which is projected to climb to approximately $14.4 billion from $13 billion within the same period.”

Culture

Chidimma Adetshina makes history as she emerges first runner-up for Miss Universe 2024

Published

on

Chidimma Adetshina, Nigeria’s representative at the 73rd Miss Universe Competition held in Mexico, made history as she finished as the first runner-up at the pageant.

The reigning Miss Universe Nigeria finished on the podium of the event held at the Arena CDMX in Mexico City on Sunday morning after an electrifying final face-off between Nigeria and Denmark, as the two women looked poised to claim the crown.

Adetshina, who competed against over 120 contestants from around the world, delivered Nigeria’s best-ever performance in the prestigious competition.

The competition, which was described as one of the most thrilling in recent years, celebrated the talents, intelligence, and elegance of women from around the globe.

A post by the pageant organizers on Instagram said:

“The final two! Nigeria and Denmark, two incredible women, one unforgettable moment.

“Miss Denmark, Victoria Kjaer Theilvig, ultimately won the crown taking over from Miss Universe 2023, Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua.”

The top five were rounded out by Miss Mexico, María Fernanda Beltrán Figueroa, in third place, along with contestants from Thailand and Venezuela.

This year’s pageant was celebrated as one of the most inclusive in Miss Universe history, featuring first-time entries from Iran and Somalia and an expanded lineup of 30 semifinalists, showcasing greater diversity and global representation.

Chidimma’s path to the Miss Universe Nigeria was controversial at best as she had previously entered the Miss South Africa pageant but withdrew following criticism of her nationality and allegations from South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs concerning her mother’s documents.

She was later invited to participate in Miss Universe Nigeria and emerged as the winner of the beauty pageant ahead of 24 other contestants.

Continue Reading

Culture

Tyla set to drop new single ‘Tears’ on November 20

Published

on

South African “Ampiona” crooner, Tyla, is set to thrill her fans to her new single titled, “Tears’, which is set to drop on November 20.

According to a statement by her management team, Tyla’s fans should expect something different from the “Water” singer as she is set to release a brand-new single in collaboration with Coke Studio.

“This exciting partnership follows her announcement as part of the Coke Studio 2024 line-up alongside R&B star Usher Raymond in September,” the statement said.

Tyla who is fondly called the “Pretty girl from Joburg,” also took to her Instagram page to share the news with her fans.

Posting a snippet of the video on her Instagram story with the caption, “‘Tears’ coming November 20th! A song in partnership with @CocaCola”, confirming the November release date, she urged her fans to look forward to something different from what they are used to.

The brand has also shared on its social media platforms that Tyla will be performing this highly-anticipated single when she returns to Johannesburg, South Africa, at a special Coke Studio live event.

In an interview with Coke Studio, the 22-year-old singer shared how she breaks away from her original sound with “Tears”.

“I feel like in a lot of my songs, I’m dancing a lot. I really wanted a song where I could just sing, be more raw with people, and showcase my voice this time,” she said.

Snippets from the new single has showcases Tyla’s enchanting vocals, revealing a more vulnerable side that is different from her previous work.

“Breaking away from the amapiano and pop sound she’s best known for, Tyla embarks on an exciting new journey with this project,” one of the reviews said.

“Through “Tears”, she wants to connect with listeners in a raw, captivating way as she partners with Coke Studio to bring this new sound to life.’

Continue Reading

EDITOR’S PICK

Musings From Abroad3 hours ago

Military advisors from Russia arrive Equatorial Guinea

Russian military advisors are in Equatorial Guinea training indigenous soldiers. Anonymous sources cited by Reuters during the week claim that...

VenturesNow3 hours ago

Food prices drive second straight monthly hike in Nigeria’s inflation

According to official statistics released on Friday, Nigeria’s inflation rate increased for the second consecutive month in October, rising to...

Metro3 hours ago

Morocco’s Mpox test gets African CDC endorsement

A major step forward in Africa’s response to the continuing epidemic was taken Thursday when the Africa Centres for Disease...

VenturesNow3 hours ago

MTN financial report reveals drop in group service revenue

Due to operational difficulties in Sudan and the depreciation of the Nigerian naira, MTN Group, Africa’s largest telecom provider, announced...

VenturesNow3 hours ago

Nigeria’s $700bn mining potential attracts investors worldwide

Diplomatic sources cited in a local report have claimed that global investors are interested in Nigeria’s mining sector reforms under...

Sports4 hours ago

South Africa FA President Danny Jordaan detained. Here’s why

Danny Jordaan, the president of the South African Football Association (SAFA), was taken into custody on Wednesday on suspicion of...

Uncategorized4 hours ago

Ivory Coast to create $500 million green financing fund

Ivory Coast will establish a $500 million green financing fund to assist sustainable growth, the IMF said. Africa’s 54 countries...

Musings From Abroad4 hours ago

Russia claims African, ex-Soviet nations want its mpox vaccine

Several African and former Soviet nations have shown interest in purchasing Russia’s smallpox and Mpox virus vaccine, testing equipment, and...

Metro4 hours ago

Mpox immunisation scarcity slows Kinshasa’s epidemic fight

A lack of mpox vaccine doses has prevented the Democratic Republic of the Congo from starting a campaign in the...

Metro8 hours ago

Nigeria has become a ‘failing state’ under Tinubu— Ex-President Obasanjo

YFormer Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo, has described the country under incumbent President Bola Tinubu as a “failing state” which is...

Trending