We must review hospitality taxes to boost tourism — Dzifa Gomashie

The Minister designate for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Dzifa Gomashie, says a review of taxes and levies imposed on the hospitality sector is vital to boost tourism in the country.

She acknowledged that the country’s hotel prices, in particular, were higher compared to other tourism-inclined countries on the continent, deterring budget-conscious travellers and leading tourists to opt for more affordable destinations, limiting the country’s ability to compete in the regional tourism market.

Ms Gomashie further acknowledged that the country was facing a hotel-room deficit as a result of increased demand which continued to outstrip current supply, adversely affecting the country’s ability to host major international conferences and events.

“This is an unending discussion, especially where the hotel businesses are concerned. The lack of infrastructure to meet the growing demand from our country and the rest of the world is bare in our faces.  

“I agree with you that lack of these facilities takes away what could be revenue for our country,” she said.

In that vein, she pledged to work with the Ministry of Finance, the private sector, industry associations and all other stakeholders to garner significant investment in hotel infrastructure across various price points to support the country’s position as a competitive and accessible destination for all types of travellers.

Ms Gomashie, who is the Member of Parliament for Ketu South, made the remarks when she appeared before the Appointments Committee for her confirmation hearing yesterday.

Roads, ecotourism

The Minister-designate emphasised that she would collaborate with the appropriate ministries and agencies to improve road networks linking to tourist destinations as the two were invariably related.

She said by improving road networks and making tourist sites more accessible, reducing travel time, and enhancing the overall visitor experience, more tourists would continue to visit the country, boosting tourism and cementing the country’s position as a premier destination.

In line with that, she pledged to work with the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology and allied agencies to protect the natural environment and promote ecotourism, which is gradually gaining popularity among travellers and a potential cash cow for the country.

“Ecotourism is what the world is driving towards and we must take advantage of it. We cannot leave it in the hands of one sector.

“All of us must join hands in protecting our environment, promoting ecotourism and getting ourselves ready to live in a clean environment,” Ms Gomashie said in response to concerns raised by the committee on the effect of climate change and human practices such as illegal mining (galamsey) on the environment. 

Black Star experience

The Ketu South MP also promised the rehabilitation of existing tourist and cultural centres through the Black Star Experience policy to be introduced by the government.

She explained that it would empower metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies (MMDAs) with assistance from the ministry and its agencies, to invest in tourist attractions within their respective jurisdictions to promote the nation’s cultural heritage and position it as a premier destination for cultural tourism.