Industry News
United Airlines Teams Up with Travel Company to Book Curated Travel Experiences in Africa By Brunno Braga
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ertified Africa is a Black-owned travel agency that books all-in-one private and group travel experiences to the African continent. Founded by the young husband and wife team, Kristin Tellis Quaye (African American) & Nii Armah Quaye (Ghanaian), the company utilizes their connections and network on the African continent to curate authentic and exclusive experiences for travelers to multiple African countries such as Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania, and Egypt. Now, the company is teaming up with United Airlines to create convenient options for travelers looking to visit Africa for African heritage experiences. Through this partnership, travelers can book all-in-one private or group travel experiences that include United flights visiting the Certified Africa website. The packages also include accommodations, airport pick up/drop off, transportation, cultural tours, activities along with some meals and guides. Certified Africa also helps ensure travelers are prepared and informed about travel requirements like visas, immunizations, Covid-19 precautions and travel insurance. “One of the most intimidating aspects of traveling abroad is the unknown. Every new culture has its own customs, languages, and traditions, which can be hard to navigate if you’re not used to them,” said Certified Africa Co-Founder Kristin Tellis Quaye in a press release. “With Certified Africa’s staff and guides accompanying you and the added convenience of United flights included you can feel comfortable and ready for the unknown when traveling to Africa and immersing yourself in heritage and culture,” Quay added. On teaming up with Certified Africa, United Airlines reinforces its presence in the African continent. Last year, the airline company launched three
new nonstop routes to Africa, with direct flights from the U.S. to Accra, G h a n a , and Lagos, Nigeria. They operate three times a week from Dulles International Airport in the Washington, D.C. metro area and the airline also started a year-round, daily nonstop service from Newark Liberty International Airport to Johannesburg. “This partnership will be welcome news for United customers who are eager to explore Africa but may need a little help creating their ideal itinerary,” said Glenn Hollister, vice president of sales strategy and effectiveness at United. “Certified Africa’s deep expertise and extensive network of local partners made them a great choice for United to work with.” Over the past few years, many people from the African diaspora have embraced heritage trips to Africa in order to connect to their roots and culture. These types of experiences have become increasingly popular with the 2019 Year of Return campaign in Ghana. The Year of Return brought many African-American travelers to Ghana and helped to boost the Ghanaian economy. For more information on these new travel packages or to book a trip, visit Certified Africa. https://travelnoire.com/united-airlines-teamsup-with-travel-company-to-book-curated-travelexperiences-in-africa Image credit: Certified Africa, Flickr
8 | ABA Publications | Africa TRAVEL | May 2022
