Culture

Morocco launches ‘Cap Hospitality’ to upgrade accommodations for tourists

Published

6 months ago

June 27, 2024

The Moroccan Tourism Ministry has launched a “Cap Hospitality” platform that will provide support and financing mechanism aimed at accelerating the upgrading of the county’s classified tourist accommodation establishments.

The “Cap Hospitality” hub which was launched on Wednesday is part of an agreement between the ministry, the Ministry delegated to the Budget, the Mohammed VI Fund for Investment, and the Moroccan Society of Tourist engineering.

Minister of Tourism Fatim-Zahra Ammor, who led the launch of the initiative, said the mechanism will target the upgrading of 25,000 accommodation rooms with an expected investment impact of up to MAD 4 billion ($402.8 million).

“The initiative reflects Morocco’s commitment to boosting its tourism facilities and accommodation capacity amid the significant increase in tourist arrivals as well as in preparing for upcoming sporting events like AFCON 2025 and the 2030 World Cup,” Ammor said.

“Covering the period between 2024 and 2025, the program provides a loan where the government covers all interest costs for the upgrading of the accommodation facilities.

“Loan amounts range from MAD 3 million ($302,145) to MAD 100 ($10 million), with a maturity of up to 12 years,” he added.

Ammor stressed the need to accelerate investments in tourist accommodation, adding that this mechanism presents a unique opportunity to modernize facilities and improve services in the tourism industry.

Morocco has frequently emphasized the importance of the tourism industry, one of the key sectors contributing to the country’s economy, with travel revenues reaching MAD 31.87 billion ($3 billion) in the past four months, with nearly six million foreign tourists visiting Morocco by the end of May this year.

Last year alone, Morocco welcomed 14.5 million tourists, with the country hoping to increase this figure increased to over 15 million in 2024.

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Culture

UNESCO lists Ghana’s Kente cloth as cultural heritage

Published

19 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.