Emirates Airlines has unveiled its first West Africa Travel Store in Accra, Ghana, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s commitment to enhancing customer experiences and expanding its footprint across Africa.
The state-of-the-art Emirates Travel Store redefines the concept of airline customer service, offering an interactive and immersive experience beyond traditional ticketing services. Customers can explore Emirates’ premium offerings, preview aircraft interiors, and receive expert travel advice in a dynamic, customer-centric environment.
“This is more than just a ticketing office; it’s an experience,” said Adil Al Ghaith, Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations – Centre, during the store’s grand opening. “Customers can walk in and get a real sense of what it means to fly with Emirates, from experiencing our A380 lounge concept to exploring our seating options. It’s part of our strategy to enrich the customer journey and showcase our brand in innovative ways.”
A Regional First in West Africa
The Accra Travel Store is Emirates’ fourth experiential outlet in Africa, following similar launches in Nairobi, Casablanca, and Cairo. According to Mr. Al Ghaith, the decision to expand into West Africa stems from growing demand for reliable and transparent travel services, particularly after the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“During COVID-19, customers trusted direct airline channels more than ever before. This insight inspired us to revamp our retail strategy, focusing on experience-based stores. With Accra now open, we’re looking forward to launching more locations, including an upcoming store in Abidjan,” he revealed.
Commitment to Ghana
Saood Al Aqili, Emirates’ Country Manager for Ghana, emphasized the significance of the Accra store as a testament to the airline’s long-standing relationship with Ghana. Operating in the country since 2004, Emirates currently runs daily flights from Accra, connecting Ghanaians to over 150 destinations globally.
“This Travel Store reflects our dedication to Ghana. It’s not just a place to book flights—it’s a space where customers can immerse themselves in our brand and experience our hospitality firsthand,” Mr. Al Aqili noted.
He added that the store’s relaxing ambiance and interactive features cater to diverse customer needs, from personalized travel planning to family-friendly spaces designed to welcome visitors, whether they are making a purchase or not.
Boosting Ghana’s Aviation Sector
The launch of the Travel Store aligns with Ghana’s vision of becoming a premier aviation hub in West Africa. Speaking at the event, Minister for Transport Joseph Bukari Nikpe highlighted the growing collaboration between the government and private sector stakeholders in advancing the country’s aviation infrastructure.
“This opening is a significant step forward as we work toward establishing Ghana as a key aviation hub in the region,” Mr. Nikpe stated. “We are actively upgrading critical facilities at Kotoka International Airport and pursuing the establishment of a national airline to strengthen our position in the global aviation space.”
The Minister also emphasized the role of air travel in driving economic growth, tourism, and regional integration, calling for more public-private partnerships to unlock the industry’s full potential.
Driving Tourism and Connectivity
Abla Dzifa Gomashie, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, commended Emirates for its investment in Ghana, noting that improved connectivity is crucial for addressing one of Africa’s biggest transportation challenges.
“Emirates’ presence here showcases what excellent service and customer-focused interactions can achieve,” she remarked. “While Ghana is still working toward launching its own national airline, we can distinguish ourselves by prioritizing world-class service and making visitors feel truly welcome.”
Future Prospects
Looking ahead, Emirates hinted at the possibility of increasing flight capacity from Accra if demand continues to grow. “When seat occupancy consistently exceeds 90%, we evaluate increasing frequencies or deploying larger aircraft,” Mr. Al Ghaith said. While aircraft availability remains a challenge, he expressed optimism about meeting future demand.
The opening ceremony brought together key stakeholders, including government officials and industry leaders, underscoring the collaborative spirit driving Ghana’s aviation growth.
A Transformational Experience
With its innovative Travel Store, Emirates has set a new benchmark for airline customer engagement in West Africa. Combining cutting-edge design with personalized services, the Accra outlet is poised to redefine how Ghanaians and travelers in the region plan their journeys—cementing Emirates’ reputation as a leader in global aviation.
Story by: Mercy Addai Turkson #ahotoronline.com
