Tourism Minister calls for improved cross-border protocols
The Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has called for a more harmonised visa regime and improved cross-border connectivity to promote tourism across West Africa.
She also emphasised the need to redefine the ECOWAS free movement protocol to enhance efficiency by reducing bureaucracy and investing in infrastructure and technology for that purpose.
In a speech read on her behalf by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), Maame Efua Houadjeto, the minister stated that the ECOWAS free movement protocol was designed to promote economic integration, trade and people-to-people exchanges.
She consequently emphasised that tourism must be incorporated into regional policy-making.
“Let us place tourism as part of regional policy making. Let us push for more harmonised visa regimes, improve cross-border connectivity and strengthen the linkages between our destinations,” she said.
The event was the eighth edition of #accraweizor, a West African travel expo, in Accra last Friday.
In partnership with the Ghana Tourism Authority, it was organised by the Akwaaba African Travel Market on “Re-imagining the ECOWAS free movement protocol” to ensure seamless travel in West Africa.
It aimed to provide West African tour operators a platform to meet and network with leading personalities in hospitality, travel, aviation and tourism and to promote seamless travel within West Africa.
Free movement
Ms Gomashie said there was a need to expand green infrastructure and develop eco-lodges and game parks to offer conscious experiences.
She gave the assurance that the country was ready to partner the private sector to build tourism infrastructure, develop ecotourism zones and create investment opportunities.
The minister also called for bold ideas, clear strategies, and a shared commitment to shaping a more connected and prosperous West Africa.
Support
The CEO of the Ghana Tourism Development Company (GTDC), Professor Kobby Mensah, stated that the country must embrace student research and creativity to foster innovation in the tourism sector.
He also stressed the importance of boldness in the tourism sector to attain notable success and to benefit the country.
The President of the Tour Operators Union of Ghana (TOUGHA), Yvonne Donkor, called for policies that enhance cross-border tourism, urging tour operators to explore new partnerships and fresh ideas that would benefit the industry.
The President of the Ghana Tourism Federation (CHATOF), Charles Adu-Gyamfi, emphasised that authorities such as the Ministry of Tourism and its agencies must implement policies that enable seamless travel within West Africa.
#accraweizor
The Organiser of the event, Ikechi Uko, said the training and networking event for tour operators in West Africa was aimed at fostering business relationships and integration among West Africans.
He highlighted challenges in West African governance, security and finance, despite the region's potential for stability and development.
Mr Uko called for a familiar chorus in governance and security to address the challenges.
He further called for more collaboration and integration among West African businesses to enhance regional development.
He hinted at plans to expand the event to include more West African dishes and to promote regional culinary diversity.
