By Hafsa Obeng
Accra, Feb. 20, GNA – Mrs Maame Efua Houadjeto, the Chief Executive Officer, Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), has called on industry players to work together with the GTA to make the tourism and hospitality industry sustainable.
Ghana’s tourism industry was at a strategic turning point where sustainability could drive long-term economic growth, environmental resilience and international competitiveness, she said.
“The Sustainable Ghana Tourism Initiative (SGTI) aligns with the Government of Ghana’s Green Transition Agenda of integrating renewal energy solutions into our tourism sector to make things a lot easier and cheaper for us, especially those in the hotels and restaurants,” the Minister said.
Speaking at a stakeholder engagement with industry players, in Accra, Mrs Houadjeto indicated that introducing renewable energy into the system would make things a lot easier and cheaper for sector players.
The engagement with the tourism trade association was the first since her appointment, to familiarise herself with their activities and share her vision for the growth of the sector.
The meeting brought together representatives from over 20 trade associations under the Ghana Tourism Federation (GHATOF), including the Tour Operators Union of Ghana, Car Rentals Association of Ghana, Chefs Association of Ghana, Tour Guides Association of Ghana, and the Tourism Society of Ghana.
Others were the Ghana Hotels Association, Events and Meetings Professionals Association of Ghana, Event Vendors Association, Board of Airlines Ghana, and the Association of Tourist Sites and Attractions Ghana.
Mrs Houadjeto said she was excited to have so many trade associations with positive-minded people within the sector, assuring that she would work together with them to make tourism great.
She said even though a lot had been done to improve the sector, there was still more to be done.
“We want to make a difference, and I can promise you that we are going to work harder to continue with what has been done without taking anything out.”
Most events in the sector would drive under the “Black Star Experience,” government’s flagship programme, with the focus on eco-tourism.
She assured industry players that the Government would work with them to ensure they achieved their desired levels.
“I promise all of you that we are going to make sure that your activities and businesses grow from where it is now to where you want it to be in the next few years.”
Prof. Kobby Mensah, the newly appointed Chief Executive Officer, Ghana Tourism Development Company (GTDC), emphasised the need for a strong promotional campaign to position Ghana as the “Centre of the World,” leveraging the country’s geographic location to attract global tourists.
He said the Centre of the World identity and brand was a trump card for building Ghana’s tourism, saying: “We have to drum it to the entire world that if you celebrate the New Year’s Eve at the London Eye, we will do ours at the Centre of the world; Ghana.”
Prof. Mensah said the GTDC was responsible for driving infrastructure not only physical structures, technology, human capital, or cultural assets, but to ensure that they became the backbone of all trade associations.
He pledged the GTDC’s commitment to working closely with the Ghana Tourism Authority and the private sector to advance the branding initiative while driving growth.
Discussions at the meeting centered on a wide range of industry concerns, with participants emphasising the need for constant public private engagement through the Public-Private Partnership Forum (PPPF) initiative.
Representatives from the trade associations congratulated the CEO on her appointment and pledged their unflinching support to ensure a successful tenure.
GNA