By Hafsa Obeng
Accra, July 19, GNA – In a renewed effort to strengthen professionalism and operational excellence among tour operators, the Tour Operators Union of Ghana (TOUGHA) has held a capacity-building workshop on costing and itinerary building for its members.
The training brought together TOUGHA members for a refresher session that offered both practical insight and peer-to-peer learning.
It was facilitated by two leading figures in the tourism sector; Mr Cosmos Ata Sracooh, who led the session on costing, and Mr Kwaku Passah Snr, who facilitated the module on itinerary development.
Speaking during the opening session, Ms Yvonne Donkor, President of TOUGHA, noted that the workshop aligned with TOUGHA’s broader mandate to build capacity among its members, improve industry standards and promote Ghana as a premier destination for cultural, historical, leisure and eco-tourism.
She underscored the strategic importance of the training, saying the two areas of focus were vital pillars of tourism business success.
“While the art of designing a memorable tour itinerary is essential, the science of accurate costing is what ensures sustainability,” Ms Donkor reminded participants.
“Crafting a well-thought-out tour itinerary is both an art and a science. It requires deep knowledge of destinations, creativity, logistical planning, and above all, an understanding of what excites and inspires travellers.”
“But an itinerary, no matter how compelling, must also be backed by accurate and competitive costing. Without proper costing, even the best ideas can become unsustainable, or worse, unprofitable.”
She empasised the unique strength of the calibre and experience of the facilitators to share knowledge and urged the participants to treat the session not just as a workshop but a platform for professional transformation.
“I encourage us all to use this platform to sharpen our skills, exchange perspectives and leave here better equipped to design itineraries that are not only practical and marketable but also memorable and transformative for our clients.”
Mr Cosmos Ata Sracooh, Instructor, Hotel Catering and Tourism Training Institute (HOTCATT), took participants through best practices in pricing tours that were both attractive to clients and financially viable.
He emphasised the importance of factoring in hidden costs, maintaining competitive margins, and understanding global pricing trends in a post-COVID travel landscape.
Mr Kwaku Passah Snr, Member TOUGHA, challenged participants to think beyond routine tour structures and explore innovative, themed and personalised tour packages.
He urged operators to adopt a client-centric approach that aligned with market expectations while showcasing Ghana’s unique cultural and ecological diversity.
Professor Kobby Mensah, the Chief Executive Officer, Ghana Tourism Development Company, said the company was pursuing initiatives and innovations to enhance Ghana’s tourism industry; including the soon-to-be-launched Ghana Tourism Marketplace and the Ghana Tourism Investment Platform.
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe