Journalists and travel agents in a group photograph with Mengistu Adelahu (standing 2nd left)
Ethiopian Airlines, the largest airline in Africa, has revived its route to Durban, South Africa in an effort to help promote tourism in the city.
The Ethiopian airlines flies to Duban, Johannesburg and Cape Town currently.
Mengistu Adelahu, Traffic and Sales Manager of Ethiopian Airlines-Durban, South Africa, who spoke to journalists who were on a familiarization trip to the city said, “We want to introduce Durban as a tourist destination on the globe as never before, because most people who travel to South Africa go to Johannesburg or Cape Town but Durban has a lot to offer to businesses and individuals”.
He said the city has so many historical sites and a very good place for leisure and holidaying, adding that the city is safe for travelers.
In view of the city’s tourist potential, Mr Adelahu said Ethiopian Airlines now flies to the Durban four times a week, operating with its technological advanced aircraft, B777 and B 787 dreamliner.
He said Ethiopian Airlines has special packages for families and business travelers to Durban.
Mr Adelahu said there would be no need for transit visa to Durban, explaining that Ethiopian airlines would provide hotel accommodation and food to passengers in Ghana who will transit in Ethiopia on their way to South Africa.
He urged Ghanaians and other nationals to take advantage of the opportunity being offered by the airlines to explore what Durban has on offer as the premium tourist destination in Africa.
The airlines is yet to have a direct flight from Ghana to South Africa, hence the transiting in Ethiopia, which will not require any visa or additional fee.
About Durban
Durban is the largest city in the South African province of KwaZulu-Natal.
After Johannesburg, the Durban Metropolitan Area ranks second among the most populous urban areas in South Africa, almost equal to Cape Town.
It is also the second most important manufacturing hub in South Africa after Johannesburg.
In May 2015, Durban was officially recognized as one of the New 7 Wonders Cities together with Vigan, Doha, La Paz, Havana, Beirut, and Kuala Lumpur.
The Golden Mile, developed as a welcoming tourist destination in the 1970s, as well as Durban at large, provide ample tourist attractions, particularly for people on holidays from Gauteng.
The Golden Mile beachfront is a popular destination for surfers, joggers, sunbathers and water-sports enthusiasts.
Refurbished for soccer’s 2010 World Cup, the seafront promenade starts at Ushaka Marine World, a huge theme park with an aquarium and ends by the futuristic Moses Mabhida stadium.
The city also hosts national parks and historic sites of Zulu Kingdom and the Drakensberg.
By Cephas Larbi
cephrok@yahoo.com