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South Africa’s Double Triumph: Best Country and Cape Town Wins Best City in the World at the 2023 Telegraph Travel Awards
South Africa, a land of unparalleled beauty and rich cultural heritage, celebrates a remarkable double triumph at the 2023 Telegraph Travel Awards. The country has been honoured with the prestigious title of “Best Country,” while its iconic city, Cape Town, has claimed the coveted title of “Best City in the World.”
These exceptional accolades, voted for by 27,000 passionate readers, are a testament to South Africa’s undeniable allure and the enduring impact it has on travellers.
The Telegraph Travel Awards, a distinguished platform within the travel industry, recognizes destinations that captivate the imagination and leave an indelible mark on visitors.
South Africa’s resounding success in winning both the “Best Country” and “Best City in the World” categories underscores its unparalleled natural landscapes, rich biodiversity, and vibrant cultural experiences.
Cape Town, often hailed as the “Mother City,” has long been celebrated for its picturesque beauty, world-famous landmarks, and warm hospitality. The city’s win as the “Best City in the World” is a resounding affirmation of its status as a global tourism gem. From the majestic Table Mountain and stunning beaches to the captivating Cape Winelands and vibrant neighbourhoods, Cape Town offers an abundance of experiences that appeal to the senses and nourish the soul.
“We are thrilled and immensely proud that South Africa has been recognized as the ‘Best Country’ at the 2023 Telegraph Travel Awards, and our vibrant city of Cape Town has been crowned the ‘Best City in the World.’ These accolades are a testament to the remarkable experiences our country offers and the unwavering dedication of our tourism industry. South Africa’s diverse landscapes, rich wildlife, and warm hospitality continue to captivate the hearts of travellers from around the globe. We extend our deepest gratitude to the 27,000 Telegraph readers who voted for us and invite everyone to come and experience the magic of South Africa firsthand,” says Kgomotso Ramothea, Acting Hub Head for UK and Ireland Hub.
In 2022, South Africa welcomed 303,848 arrivals from the UK and Ireland. January to May 2023 arrivals from the UK now stand at 164,232 which is a 50.2% increase when compared to January to May 2022 arrivals of 109,372.
The Diaspora Affairs Office at the Office of the President has hosted a delegation of African diaspora women who are in Ghana ahead of a planned Presidential Conferment of Citizenship ceremony.
The Director of Diaspora Affairs, Kofi Okyere Darko, explained in a Facebook post that the visit was a gesture of appreciation by the delegation to the Government of Ghana for its continued efforts to reconnect Africans in the diaspora with their ancestral homeland.
He indicated that the ceremony, scheduled for next Monday, will officially grant Ghanaian citizenship to members of the delegation as part of the country’s broader engagement with the African diaspora.
The delegation was led by Erica Bennett, Founder of the Diaspora Africa Forum.
According to Mr Okyere Darko, her years of advocacy have played an important role in strengthening ties between Africa and people of African descent living abroad.
He noted that the group’s journey towards citizenship represents not only a legal process but also a cultural and spiritual return to their roots.
Also present at the meeting was Natalie Jackson, an attorney who is also expected to receive Ghanaian citizenship during the ceremony. She works closely with renowned civil rights lawyer Ben Crump.
Mr Okyere Darko emphasised that Ghana remains committed to strengthening relationships with the African diaspora and promoting unity, identity, and shared heritage among people of African descent worldwide.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Ghana has signed a debt restructuring agreement with the Kingdom of Belgium as part of efforts to restore the country’s economic stability after the financial crisis that hit the nation in 2022 and 2023.
The Minister of Finance, Cassiel Ato Forson, today disclosed that he signed the agreement on behalf of the Government of Ghana.
He explained that Ghana experienced a very difficult period during the crisis, which forced the government at the time to declare a debt default.
However, he indicated that the country is now recovering and witnessing a significant economic turnaround.
According to him, stronger systems are also being put in place to ensure that Ghana does not return to such a situation again.
Dr Forson noted that the agreement with Belgium is the eighth deal Ghana has concluded with countries under the Official Creditor Committee as part of its external debt restructuring programme.
He expressed appreciation to the Government of Belgium for its support and partnership with Ghana during the process.
The Finance Minister thanked Carole van Eyll, Ambassador of Belgium to Ghana, for her role in strengthening relations between the two countries.
The agreement forms part of Ghana’s broader effort to restructure its external debts and stabilise the economy following the crisis.
By: Jacob Aggrey
