By Hafsa Obeng
Accra, Mach 5, GNA – Mrs Alisa Osei-Asamoah, President of the Tour Operators Union of Ghana (TOUGHA), has reiterated TOUGHA’s commitment to promoting domestic tourism during this year’s Heritage Month celebrations.
She said TOUGHA recognized that domestic tourism was one of the most effective ways to foster national pride and showcase the beauty of our homeland, hence would play an active role in promoting the month through domestic tourism.
Speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, Mrs Osei-Asamoah said the Union had outlined a variety of domestic tourism packages aimed at making it easy and affordable for Ghanaians to experience the country’s diverse attractions.
She said they were of the firm belief that Ghanaians should know their own country better than anyone else. “Many of us dream of travelling to places like Dubai, but we have so much right here in Ghana to explore, and it is less expensive.”
“So, we have been working tirelessly with our partner hotels, tour guides, and transport services to offer special rates that make it easier for every Ghanaian to experience the beauty of their own land.”
The President said data from the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) for last year showed that the impact of domestic tourism was great. More Ghanaians were realizing the potential of their own country, and they would want to continue that momentum.
“Some individual tour operators are offering amazing packages, such as the Accra City Tour, Cape Coast daily and overnight trips, and even weekend ecotourism experiences.”
“In addition to Accra and Cape Coast, we are also looking at expanding to places like Kumasi, though we are keeping the distances manageable for now so everyone can enjoy these trips. But this is just the beginning, and we will keep building on these experiences year after year.”
Mrs Osei-Asamoah noted that TOUGHA was also working in partnership with the GTA to offer unique experiences.
“We have partnered with GTA to provide the exciting double-decker bus tours in Accra, which cost only GHc100.00. It’s an incredible way for both Ghanaians and visitors to enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of our capital. We also have lunch packages and a full guided tour of historical and cultural sites.”
She said the Union had also embraced the domestic tourism campaign by the GTA, which is the See Ghana, Wear Ghana, Eat Ghana, and Feel Ghana campaign as part of the celebrations for the Heritage Month.
She encouraged Ghanaians to get out this March, visit new places, try new foods, wear Ghanaian clothes, support local businesses, truly immerse themselves in the Ghanaian culture and be proud of this beautiful country.
The Heritage Month, which is celebrated in March every year holds special significance in Ghana’s history as it marks both the declaration of independence and the foundation of Pan-Africanism.
It is a time to honour the rich culture, history, and pride that define the heart of Ghana and provides an opportunity to reflect on the history, celebrate the cultural diversity, and assess the present to preserve the collective culture for future generations.
“The Month is not just about the celebration of our past, but it is about embracing our present and future. It is about us, as Ghanaians, taking pride in what we have and sharing that pride with others.”
GNA