Roots Hotel Apartment, a design-inspired boutique hotel in Accra, is leveraging Ghana's national tourism initiative, "The Year of Return," to showcase and celebrate the nation's rich heritage. The hotel curates cultural events and experiences for its guests and other travelers, aiming to reconnect diasporans with their ancestral roots.
Accra Skyline
Themed "Back To Your Roots," these programs highlight Ghana's traditional art forms, including storytelling, cultural and Afro dance, batik, bead and shea butter making, African movie nights, and intimate "Eat and Paint" sessions.
The Year of Return Initiative
"The Year of Return" was launched by the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) to invite the diasporan community back to their ancestral homeland. This initiative aims to significantly boost Ghana's tourism, with expectations of over 500,000 visitors from North America alone. The GTA has initiated the campaign, and now it is up to businesses in Ghana to capitalize on this opportunity for growth. Roots Hotel Apartment and its sister hotel, Urbano, are part of a new hospitality trend in Ghana that emphasizes affordable luxury and enhanced customer service.
The "Year of Return" has resulted in a surge of travelers seeking meaningful cultural connections in Ghana. Roots Hotel Apartment recognized the need to guide these guests and created its own unique experiences. All activities are open to Roots Hotel guests, travelers, and the general public upon registration.
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Roots Hotel Apartment: A Hub of Culture
Located in the vibrant heart of Osu, Accra, Roots Hotel Apartment offers luxurious, air-conditioned accommodations ranging from standard rooms to penthouse apartments. These are decorated with rich African accents and offer stunning city views, fully equipped kitchenettes, a state-of-the-art gym, an ultra-modern conference room, Esuro (a rooftop restaurant with an infinity jacuzzi), and The Purple Cafe.
Roots Hotel Apartment has welcomed travelers with cultural displays that include drummers, dancers, and local drinks upon arrival, showcasing true Ghanaian hospitality.
Ghana: A Land of Diverse Cultures and History
Ghana is a country with diverse cultures and traditions. It is the land of the once-dominant Ashanti Kingdom and the Ga people, the original settlers in Accra. It is also home to the Krobo, who migrated from Nigeria, and the Musi from the north, who are also located in Burkina Faso.
The coast of Ghana and Cote D’Ivoire was once known as the "Gold Coast." The discovery of gold in Africa attracted many European nations, who initially traded goods and later engaged in the human slave trade, resulting in the largest forced migration in history.
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Historical Forts and Castles
There were at least 32 forts and castles along Ghana’s coast. The first castle, Elmina, was built in 1482 by the Portuguese, who used it as a trading post for gold and other natural resources.
Elmina Castle in Cape Coast
The Panafest Event and Tours
This tour focuses on the Panafest event, which brings hundreds of Africans from the Diaspora to participate in a healing, commemorative event. The tour includes sites in Accra, Kumasi, and Cape Coast. A group of first-time landowners from the Diaspora will accompany this tour, with the goal of visiting their land.
Tour Details:
- Dates: JULY 25 - AUGUST 3, 2025
- Tour Cost: $4900 Double, $5500 Single
Itinerary Highlights:
- Day 1: Arrival in Accra, welcome drink, and orientation at La-Palm Royal Beach Hotel.
- Day 2: Accra City Tour, including the W.E.B Dubois Centre, National Museum, Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, and the Art Center.
- Day 3: Cape Coast and Elmina Castle, exploring the history of the slave trade.
- Day 5: Assin Manso Slave River historical site and a candlelight procession to Cape Coast Castle.
- Day 6: Bisa Aberwa Museum and a farewell dinner in African attire.
Inclusions:
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- Airfare from Washington DC to Accra Ghana
- Hotel accommodations
- Transportation in Ghana
- Breakfast and Dinner each day
Exclusions:
- Visa fee for Ghana
- Vaccinations (yellow fever vaccine is mandatory)
- Transportation to Washington DC or NYC
- Spending money
- Gratuity of $100
- Camera fee for some attractions
- Travel Insurance (strongly recommended)
Payment Schedule:
- $500 deposit due to secure reservation.
- Another payment of $1200 due by November 1, 2024.
- Full balance due by February 1, 2025.
Roots Apartment Hotel Amenities:
- Swimming pool
- Fitness center
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Conference facilities
- Free Wi-Fi
- Complimentary shuttle service to and from the airport
- Concierge service
The Urbano Hotel, sister hotel to Roots Hotel Apartment, is a boutique hotel located on Oxford Street in Accra. It offers comfortable accommodations with amenities such as air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. The hotel also features a fitness center and a lounge bar.
In conclusion, Roots Hotel in Ghana plays a significant role in promoting cultural tourism and welcoming the diaspora to reconnect with their heritage. Through its cultural events and comfortable accommodations, it offers a unique and enriching experience for travelers.
Exploring Ghana's Diverse Culture
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