Prestige project to enhance Kotoka Int. Airport’s Skyline set to launch
Accra’s Kotoka International Airport enclave has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past two decades in line with the growth in the aviation and hospitality subsectors. Indeed, the successful execution of the Airport City 1 project by the Ghana Airports Company transformed the skyline of the national capital. The Airport City 1 is now home to major architectural masterpieces and is one of the most sought-after business districts in the capital. The Atlantic Towers, Nester Square, Holiday Inn Hotel, SSNIT Emporium, the Marina Mall, the National Communications Authority (NCA) building, Vodafone and UT towers, Silver Star Towers, and the One Airport Square among others, are some of the major developments in the Airport City One Project.
The expected construction of a new development, christened Prestige, on 2.88 acres of land adjacent to the Airport Shell Fuel
Station and directly opposite the Marina Mall by a private developer is also set to add to the beauty of the Airport skyline and redefine luxury living in Ghana’s capital and play a key role in increasing the country’s tourism receipts. Youssef Aitour, Co-Founder and Managing Director of i2 Development Ghana Limited, developer of the project, confirmed that an official launch of the project is slated for December 13, 2023. The importance of modern, sustainable, plush offices, residential properties, and hotels within the Kotoka International Airport vicinity, and indeed in major airports in Africa, cannot be overstated when it comes to the growth of tourism, aviation, and allied businesses. These properties play a crucial role in supporting and attracting visitors, facilitating travel, and fostering economic development. Placing plush residential properties and hotels near airports provides convenient and easy access for travelers. This accessibility allows tourists, business travelers, and aviation professionals to conveniently stay close to the airport, saving time and reducing travel-related stress. This proximity encourages more visitors to explore Ghana, as they can easily reach their accommodations upon arrival, resulting in increased tourism and economic growth.
These developments are in sync with the investment in onground airport infrastructure at the Kotoka International Airport. The flagship Terminal 3 can handle five (5) million passengers a year. Last year, passenger throughput was a little over 1.8 million and is expected to increase this year.
In 2022, Ghana realized US$2billon in tourism revenue, with a projected end-year 2023 tourism revenue of US$ 3.4 billion. Over half a million visitors have been recorded for the first half of this year by the tourism sector regulator, the
Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA). The Authority projects a total arrival of 1.2 million by the end of the year.