By Hafsa Obeng
Accra, Feb. 16, GNA – The Ghana Tourism Forum in partnership with the African Tourism Research Network has organised the maiden edition of the Tourism Stakeholders’ Mixer to discuss critical issues affecting Ghana’s tourism sector.
The ‘mixer’ was aimed at bringing together stakeholders, public, private sector and academia, in the tourism and hospitality fields to take a deep dive into how they could build a more engaged and sustainable tourism and hospitality industry.
It was expected to come out with an actionable strategy for industry challenges, policy recommendations for sustainable growth, new collaborative projects and initiatives, capacity building and knowledge sharing, and greater awareness of sustainability and community-focused tourism.
It was also to create a platform for open dialogue, fostering collaboration among tourism professionals, policymakers, and private sector leaders.
Prof. Kwaku Boakye, Vice-Chancellor of Cape Coast Technical University and Professor of Tourism, emphasised the need for a forward-thinking approach in repositioning Ghana’s tourism industry.
He said, “Tourism is not just about leisure and recreation; it is a powerful tool for economic transformation and empowerment. If we are to make Ghana a competitive tourism destination, we must embrace innovation, invest in human capital, and strengthen our marketing efforts.”
Prof. Boakye said the potential of tourism was unmatched and stakeholders must explore the various dimensions of it.
He said, “Our attractions and business operating environment must be welcoming, various stakeholders from government, industry, and academia must collaborate, have a policy direction and have a good marketing strategy.”
“We cannot build the tourism industry we desire in isolation. It requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders, government, private sector, academia, and local communities to create a robust and thriving tourism ecosystem.”
Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, Minister of Tourism Arts and Culture, said tourism was not just about beautiful destinations and cultural heritage, but an economic powerhouse with the potential to drive sustainable development, create jobs, and uplift communities.
She said Ghana was blessed with a rich history, diverse cultures, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality that made it a preferred destination for many travelers across the world.
“However, to fully harness its potential, government, private sector, communities, and development partners must work together to build the tourism and hospitality industry we all envisage.”
She said the government was committed to creating an enabling environment where tourism thrives as a pillar of national development.
“We will implement policies to ease visa acquisition, improve security at tourist sites, and strengthen collaborations with international partners to expand our tourism market.”
The minister added that government alone could not achieve the vision. “We need all stakeholders, hoteliers, tour operators, transport providers, artisans, policymakers, and investors, to align efforts and resources to make it a success.
She urged stakeholders to actively contribute ideas and solutions during the mixer.
“Seize the moment to strengthen the partnerships, build synergies, and chart a clear roadmap toward the tourism and hospitality industry we all aspire to see.”
“Together, we can make Ghana the preferred destination for cultural tourism and a beacon of excellence in Africa’s hospitality sector.”
Mrs Theresa Ayoade, Chief Executive Officer, Charter House Production, said her outfit had contributed to the tourism ecosystem through world-class events that celebrated culture, talents and creativity, key pillars of a thriving tourism sector.
“We have put some power on the tourism industry to create jobs for the future of the tourism industry and have positioned the country on a global stage, calling for stronger collaborations, innovations and development of strategic policies that drive long-term impact, she added.”
The theme for the mixer was “Building the tourism and hospitality industry we want together”.
It explored a variety of topics, including, key trends, consumer insights, and challenges in Ghana’s
tourism sector, modern trends in destination management, leveraging technology and AI to improve tourism services, customer care and human resource development, marketing Ghana as a cultural destination.
The Tourism Stakeholders’ Mixer is expected to become a regular event, serving as a strategic platform for fostering innovation, partnerships, and policy advocacy to drive Ghana’s tourism agenda forward.
GNA