By Paul Mamattah
Emirates Airlines, has officially launched its fourth regional travel store in Africa, with a grand opening in Accra, reinforcing the airline’s ongoing investment in Ghana.
The store, offers customers a seamless and inspiring way to plan their journeys with expert assistance from Emirates’ travel specialists.
This strategic move underscores the airline’s commitment to enhancing travel experiences for its valued Ghanaian customers and the West African sub-region.
The newly inaugurated travel store is designed to offer a convenient and inspiring environment for customers to plan their trips and book Emirates experiences.
With the assistance of expert travel consultants, customers can explore a wide array of travel options and personalised services tailored to their needs.
The store aims to redefine the retail travel experience by providing an interactive and intimate setting where customers can easily access Emirates’ premium products and services.
This includes a comprehensive range of offerings such as flight reservations, ticketing, and personalized customer assistance, all delivered with Emirates’ signature hospitality.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Vice President of Commercial Operations for North and West Africa, Adil Al Ghaith, emphasized the strategic importance of the new location and outlined the airline’s broader retail expansion plans across the continent.
“Our journey began with our first office in Nairobi, then Casablanca, followed by Cairo. Accra now marks our fourth, and certainly not our last, travel store in the region,” Al Ghaith stated.
“We have additional locations in the pipeline as part of our commitment to the African market.”
He explained that the concept of Emirates’ travel stores emerged in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, responding to a renewed demand for personalized and immersive customer service.
“Post-pandemic, we saw a clear need for retail spaces where customers could experience the Emirates brand beyond the flight,” he explained.
Mr. Al Ghaith reiterated that the store is designed to offer more than just ticketing services, saying that the Accra travel store provides an interactive experience, including a glimpse into the airline’s premium lounge environment and its global network.
He stressed that even potential travelers from countries without direct Emirates service can engage with the brand through these centers.
Mr. Al Ghaith reaffirmed Emirates’ long-standing commitment to Ghana, a key market since the airline began operations in the country in 2004, and expressed enthusiasm for continued investment in the region.
The Minister for Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, lauded Emirates Airlines for its continued investment and commitment to Ghana’s aviation sector. S
The Minister highlighted the airline’s role as a reliable partner in connecting Ghana and Africa to the rest of the world.
“Emirates has not only carried passengers across continents but has also remained a valuable partner to Ghana over the years. This beautiful new facility represents more than just infrastructure; it enhances comfort for both staff and travelers and reinforces Ghana’s growing reputation in global aviation.” The Minister stated.
He further outlined Ghana’s ambition to become a key aviation hub in West Africa, aligning with President Mahama’s vision of enhanced regional connectivity.
“Just last week, the President tasked me with commissioning a task force to work toward the establishment of a national airline,” he revealed.
Mr. Nikpe emphasized the importance of international partnerships in realizing this goal, noting that Ghana hopes to benefit from Emirates’ extensive experience in the aviation industry.
“Your collaboration will help us build capacity and position Ghana as a true gateway to Africa.” Mr. Nikpe added.
The Minister also called on investors to explore opportunities within the country’s aviation sector, citing the government’s efforts to maintain political stability and build a conducive environment for business.
“Our peaceful atmosphere, strategic investments, and strong partnerships will drive the future of air travel in Ghana,” he stressed.
On her part, the Minister for Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, applauded Emirates Airlines for enhancing its services in Ghana, highlighting the benefits to local travelers and the broader West African region.
She expressed appreciation for the airline’s continued investment in the country.
“I am excited that you’ve upgraded your service to our country. Our citizens and travelers across West Africa stand to benefit from this improved experience,” she stated.
Hon. Gomashie emphasized the importance of learning from Emirates’ high service standards, describing the airline as a benchmark for excellence in global air travel.
“Those of us who have flown with many airlines can testify that Emirates offers a level of service that is truly exceptional. It’s something we should all learn from,” she said.
She also highlighted the role of customer service in shaping travel experiences. “Service is what people are willing to pay for, and Emirates has mastered that. It’s not just the flights, it’s the warmth, the professionalism, the way staff interact with travelers. That’s what sets Emirates apart.”
The Minister, therefore, encouraged stakeholders in Ghana’s tourism and hospitality sectors to adopt similar service values, noting that such practices could elevate the country’s global reputation as a travel destination.