GTA boss calls for innovative ideas to grow tourism sector

The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA),  Akwasi Agyeman, has said innovation is central to Ghana’s progress in the steadily growing competitive tourism sector.

He has thus encouraged stakeholders to keep generating innovative ideas and projects to drive further growth.

“We have seen transformative changes in our tourism infrastructure with new digital platforms, enhancing visitor experience and our heritage sites being preserved and showcased in ingenious ways,” he said.

“As we look into the future I encourage everyone in the industry to continue to innovate and collaborate. By working together, we ensure Ghana remains a top destination for tourists from around the world,” he added.

GTA Awards

Mr Agyeman made the call at the  2024 National Tourism Awards, organised by the GTA at the Christianborg Castle in Osu last Friday.

The event, held under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, was to recognise industry players who have shown exceptional commitment and innovation, and contributed to the vibrant resurgence of Ghana’s tourism sector.

Thirty-six individuals and institutions were honoured in the various categories made up of 26 competitive awards, eight honorary awards and two special awards.

Held on the theme: “Celebrating Innovation and Recognising Excellence in Ghana's Tourism Sector,” it was a night of celebration, music and dance in the tranquil atmosphere of the Castle Gardens.

Dignitaries

The event brought together high-profile dignitaries who included  the Minister of Tourism Arts and Culture, Andrew Egyapa Mercer, and his Deputy, Mark Okraku-Mantey, Board members of the GTA, the two Deputy CEOs of the GTA, Ekow Sampson and Ben Anane Nsiah, some members of the diplomatic community, heads of institutions, directors and staff of the ministry and its agencies.

Also in attendance were former Minister of Tourism and Senior Presidential Advisor, Oboshie Sai Cofie, who chaired the event and Group Chairman, Crystal TV Group, Togbe Dr Crystal-Dzirackor, the Guest of Honour.

Resurgence

Mr Egyapa Mercer, in his address, said the ministry over the past years had implemented various initiatives, including the Year of Return and Beyond the Return, to accelerate growth in the sector and boost the economy.

He expressed satisfaction with the progress made since the COVID-19 pandemic and urged industry players to keep working hard and to collaborate to promote tourism development, and create opportunities for economic growth and job creation.

“Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, in 2023, international arrivals reached 1,148,002, showing a 25 per cent increase from 2022, and a 2 per cent rise above pre-COVID figures. Domestic numbers have also increased from 945,405 in 2022 to 1,407,709 in 2023.

“As we are all aware, tourism is a vital pillar of our economy, with immense potential to drive job creation, attract investments, generate foreign exchange and catalyse socio-economic transformation,” he said.

Plans

Mr Mercer added that to further boost the economy, the ministry plans to build on the gains by enhancing the engagement with the diaspora market, actively promote Ghana in the sub-region and African markets, as well as establish the country as a competitive destination for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions.