TIG Post

Tag: tourism

  • Industry players sought for funds meant for establishing recording studio – Dept. Tourism Minister

    Industry players sought for funds meant for establishing recording studio – Dept. Tourism Minister

    Deputy Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Mark Okraku Mantey, has revealed that the New Patriotic Party (NPP)’s promise to establish three music recording studios has not come to fruition.

    According to the minister, industry players primarily deemed it unnecessary.

    He noted that while some figures in the entertainment industry initially supported the plan, they later deemed it redundant as existing private studios are already thriving.

    He finds the situation particularly uncomfortable, as he was instrumental in advocating for the inclusion of the studio proposal in the NPP’s 2020 manifesto.

    “So if you watch in 2017, 2016 it was not in the manifesto. It appeared in 2020. if you could go and pick some of my audios in my days at hitz FM, the industry fought against it. It is explicit, it is public knowledge, it was all over. I can quote some of them like Apietus, some were “for”, some were against. But the “against” were higher than the for. And so for those of us who have seen some of our bug men go to prison because of causing financial laws to the state, we decided to play it safe by not taking the risk.

    During the launch of the NPP’s 2020 manifesto in the Central Region, the Vice President, Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia, announced that during its second term in office, it will build recording studios in Greater Accra, Ashanti, and Western Regions.

    “We see the creative arts as a major growth pole, it has so much talent, the problem is access to studio. As a result, we will set up large recording studios in Accra, Tema, Takoradi and Kumasi, for recording artistes to rent,” he said.

    Speaking to the media, the deputy minister cited Gospel musician Nacee, who has expressed in interviews that he no longer sees the need for additional recording studios, given the success of numerous private facilities already in operation.

    “They rejected it. You can quote me anywhere anytime. They rejected and said we should share the money amongst them because they already have studios that were doing well. You can quote me again. Nacee, few weeks ago was on hit FM, he went to peace fm again and Nacee said that at the time he supported, but he feels that now, we don’t need it. Yes Nacee said it a few weeks ago”

    However if the industry expresses renewed interest in having the studios built then we will proceed.

    “The bottom line is that if the industry shows interest that they’ve change their minds that we should build, why not? We will go for it.”

    In the 2020 manifesto of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), they promised to build three recording music studios when re-elected into power again.

    The three recording music studios were planed to be situated at Kumasi, Accra, Tema and Takoradi.

    However, this has remained an unfulfilled promise because creative players are no more in support of the idea.

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  • Tourism ranks as 4th largest contributor to foreign exchange earnings in Ghana – Yofi Grant

    Tourism ranks as 4th largest contributor to foreign exchange earnings in Ghana – Yofi Grant

    Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Investment Promotion Center (GIPC), Yofi Grant, has revealed that the tourism sector ranks as the country’s fourth-largest earner of foreign exchange.

    He highlighted the significant growth of the tourism sector in recent years, attributing it to its appealing characteristics.

    Yofi Grant pointed out political stability and adherence to the Rule of Law as contributing factors to the remarkable expansion of the tourism sector.

    To support his assertion, he pointed out that Ghana has emerged as a destination of happiness for both local and international tourists.

    In his opinion, the tourism sector generates employment opportunities for young people and bolsters the economy.

    “Tourism is a low-hanging fruit for the growth of the economy only because it has import ability. We can actually import tourists; it also creates jobs, and it is probably one of the areas where jobs can be created organically without much effort,” he said.

    The GIPC CEO added that, “The Bank of Ghana estimates that tourism is the 4th biggest earner of forex in Ghana, trailing behind gold and cocoa, so it is important to our economy.”

    Yofi Grant was speaking on the theme: “Regulatory framework for tourism infrastructure and its growth.”


    According to the 2023 report from the Ghana Tourism Authority, a substantial number of visitors, totaling 1,157,632, explored the top attractions, constituting a notable portion of the 1,407,709 visits to various tourist destinations.

    Furthermore, the following are the top 10 most visited tourist sites in Ghana:

    • Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park

    • National Museum

    • Kakum National Park

    • Kumasi Zoo

    • Cape Coast Castle

    • Aburi Botanical Gardens

    • Elmina Castle

    • Bunso Arboretum

    • Accra Zoo

    • Manhyia Palace Museum

  • Ghana’s Tourism industry made 3.8bn dollars in 2023; a recovery from the pandemic?

    Ghana’s Tourism industry made 3.8bn dollars in 2023; a recovery from the pandemic?

    Ghana’s tourism industry has experienced a remarkable resurgence indicating a recovery from the dire impact suffered by the industry following the global COVID-19 pandemic.

    Chief Director of the Ministry, John Yao Agbeko during a breakfast meeting at the GIPC Quarter Two CEOs 2024 Breakfast Meeting in Accra, revealed that the Ministry in 2023 generated a substantial $3.8 billion by the end of 2023 from international arrivals.

    This marks a significant increase from the previous year’s $2.5 billion, signaling a robust recovery from the challenges posed by the pandemic.


    He cited Ghana’s impressive recovery in international arrivals, with 914,882 visitors in 2022 and 1,148,002 in 2023, resulting in significant receipts of $2.5 billion and $3.8 billion, respectively.


    The Ministry has pledged to foster an enabling environment for sustainable growth and development in tourism, arts, and culture given the critical contribution of the sector to Ghana’s GDP


    “In Africa, the tourism industry showed considerable strength in coping with 75% of each pandemic receipt. Ghana, however, recovered a total international arrival of nine hundred and fourteen thousand, eight hundred and eighty-two in 2022 and One million, one hundred and forty-eight thousand and two in 2023 giving a receipt of $2.5 billion and $3.8 billion respectively.


    These are just the international arrivals. The Ministry of Tourism exists to create a conducive environment for sustainable growth and development of Tourism, Arts, and Culture to contribute enormously to GDP through effective and efficient use of appropriate policies, plans, programmes and projects” he noted.


    Deputy Finance Minister , Dr. Stephen Amoah has called on stakeholders within the tourism sector to give precedence to domestic tourism as a means to stabilize the depreciating cedi.

    He underscored the importance of implementing home-grown policy measures tailored to address Ghana’s unique requirements, urging both patrons and industry players to contribute to local economic development.


    “One thing I’ve seen about Africa is that we have a lot of ideas but sometimes the global modules control us too much. We need to build home-grown policy tools that specifically address our needs.


    “Let’s begin to show the high level of patronage and keep the money here. I think as a country we have everything at our disposal to develop tourism because God has endowed us” he added.

  • Tourism sector generated $3.8bn for Ghana in 2023 – Chief Director at Tourism Ministry

    Tourism sector generated $3.8bn for Ghana in 2023 – Chief Director at Tourism Ministry

    Ghana’s tourism industry has experienced a notable resurgence, with international arrivals generating a substantial $3.8 billion by the end of 2023, as reported by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture.

    This marks a significant increase from the previous year’s $2.5 billion, indicating a strong recovery from the challenges posed by the pandemic.

    John Yao Agbeko, Chief Director of the Ministry, stressed the importance of collaboration among stakeholders to establish a conducive regulatory framework that will further enhance growth in the sector.

    Speaking at the GIPC Quarter Two CEOs 2024 Breakfast Meeting in Accra, he highlighted Ghana’s potential for continued growth, citing the impressive recovery in international arrivals, with 914,882 visitors in 2022 and 1,148,002 in 2023, leading to substantial receipts of $2.5 billion and $3.8 billion respectively.

    The Ministry has pledged to create an enabling environment for the sustainable growth and development of tourism, arts, and culture. This commitment is expected to have a positive impact on Ghana’s economy, given the sector’s significant contribution to the country’s GDP.

    “In Africa, the tourism industry showed considerable strength in coping with 75% of each pandemic receipt. Ghana, however, recovered a total international arrival of nine hundred and fourteen thousand, eight hundred and eighty-two in 2022 and One million, one hundred and forty-eight thousand and two in 2023 giving a receipt of $2.5 billion and $3.8 billion respectively.”

    “These are just the international arrivals. The Ministry of Tourism exists to create a conducive environment for sustainable growth and development of Tourism, Arts, and Culture to contribute enormously to GDP through effective and efficient use of appropriate policies, plans, programmes and projects.”

    Deputy Finance Minister Dr. Stephen Amoah has called on stakeholders in the tourism industry to prioritize domestic tourism as a means to stabilize the depreciating cedi.

    He emphasized the importance of developing home-grown policy tools that address Ghana’s specific needs, urging patrons and players in the industry to support local economic growth.

    “One thing I’ve seen about Africa is that we have a lot of ideas but sometimes the global modules control us too much. We need to build home-grown policy tools that specifically address our needs.

    “Let’s begin to show the high level of patronage and keep the money here. I think as a country we have everything at our disposal to develop tourism because God has endowed us.”

  • Comprehensive data on culture and creative sector should be priority – GCF to Egyapa Mercer

    Comprehensive data on culture and creative sector should be priority – GCF to Egyapa Mercer

    Minister-designate for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Andrew Egyapa Mercer recently engaged in discussions with the leadership of the Ghana Culture Forum to delve into the potential of the cultural sector.

    This meeting, which took place on April 18, 2024, highlighted several key points.

    Egyapa Mercer commended the Ghana Culture Forum’s esteemed reputation as a leading cultural Civil Society Organization (CSO) and stressed the importance of enhancing the cultural and arts sectors’ prosperity.

    He acknowledged that while tourism has garnered significant attention within the Ministry’s purview, it’s crucial to distribute resources more evenly among all three sectors.

    Recognizing that policymakers play a pivotal role in fostering an enabling environment for sector practitioners to excel, Egyapa Mercer emphasised the necessity for policymakers to engage regularly with practitioners to grasp their needs comprehensively.

    In response, the Ghana Culture Forum, represented by Vice-Chairperson Ahuma Bosco Ocansey, outlined several critical areas for the Ministry to focus on.

    Foremost among these was the call for commissioned research to gather comprehensive data periodically on the culture and creative sector, culminating in an accessible data hub for stakeholders.

    Additionally, the Ghana Culture Forum urged the Ministry to expedite the finalisation and enactment of Legislative Instruments pertaining to cultural sector laws.

    Bosco also highlighted the pressing need for improved access to funding, echoing the sentiments of many creative practitioners in Ghana.

    He proposed that the government establish funds as outlined by cultural laws and consider utilising the existing Ghana Culture Funding Scheme for disbursement.

    Moreover, the Ghana Culture Forum sought the Ministry’s support in securing office space and expressed interest in advancing the amphitheatre project.

    Egyapa Mercer pledged to prioritise finalising legislative instruments for cultural laws and ensuring the operationalization of the Creative Arts Agency and National Film Authority.

    Addressing concerns about the National Theatre, Egyapa Mercer mentioned exploring commitments from the Chinese government for maintaining the facility.

    The meeting concluded with plans for the Ghana Culture Forum to submit formal proposals for the discussed projects, indicating a collaborative effort to enhance Ghana’s cultural and arts landscape.

    See post below:

  • GTA writes to Finance Ministry to reduce taxes and levies in tourism sector

    GTA writes to Finance Ministry to reduce taxes and levies in tourism sector

    The Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, along with the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), are optimistic that the Ministry of Finance will consider providing tax relief for operators in the sector during the mid-year budget review.

    This follows a letter presented to the Ministry by the Authority after concerns from stakeholders.

    During an interview with Citi News at the 2024 first-quarter Public-Private Partnership Forum in Koforidua, the Chief Executive of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Akwasi Agyemang, highlighted the sector’s progress despite existing challenges.

    “Looking at the data that we have, we can say that we have made a very strong recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Domestic tourism moved from about 900,000 in 2022 to about 1.4 million in 2023, and international arrivals ended 2023 at 1.140 million, which compares favourably to the 2019 figure, which was the Year of Return.

    “We have seen some resilience and growth, and we have seen that we are making some strides, but we cannot do it all alone, and we need the issue of the multiplicity of levies and taxes paid to various agencies to be addressed. So, we have presented a paper to the Ministry of Finance, and we are hoping that those taxes and levies will be addressed in the Mid-year Budget.”

    Mr. Agyemang, touching on the theme, “Financial Empowerment for the Tourism and Hospitality Sector,” said a flat tax rate regime would be beneficial to the tourism sector if approved by the government.

    Both entities, aiming to make tourism the top GDP earner in the country, advocate for a flat tax rate regime to maintain and enhance the gains made in the tourism sector over the years.

  • Tourism sector at risk due to anti-LGBTQ bill – Egyapa Mercer

    Tourism sector at risk due to anti-LGBTQ bill – Egyapa Mercer

    Minister-designate for Tourism, Andrew Kofi Egyapa Mercer, has expressed concerns regarding the potential impact of the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill (Anti-LGBTQ Bill) on tourism in Ghana if it is assented to.

    During his appearance before Parliament’s vetting committee on Tuesday, March 5, Mr. Mercer emphasized that while Ghana possesses a distinctive cultural identity, the passage of the bill could dissuade certain individuals from visiting the country, thereby affecting tourism.

    However, he suggested that promoting domestic tourism could help mitigate any potential decline in international tourist arrivals. By encouraging citizens to explore their own country, domestic tourism initiatives could help offset any negative effects on the tourism sector.

    “I mean our culture is our culture, ultimately. And so if people want to experience our culture, it really matters whether we are opposed to a certain lifestyle within our cultural setting. But it all comes down to how you promote Ghana and position ourselves within the law, that is if the President assents to it,” he said.

    Mr Mercer added “All I can say is that it definitely will have an impact one way or the other. Some people who believe that lifestyle should be allowed everywhere may find Ghana unattractive. Some people who believe in our culture would find Ghana an attractive place.”

    The Minister-designate for Tourism emphasized the importance of effectively marketing Ghana to both its citizens and foreign tourists to sustain growth in the tourism sector.

    “….We are encouraging people to visit our country as opposed to others. If you promote domestic tourism, that will then help us to deal with whatever shortfalls or issues that may arise from some lack of interest because of this law,” Mr Mercer added.

    Parliament passed the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill on Wednesday, February 28. The bill criminalizes LGBTQ sexual acts and the promotion of LGBTQ rights, with offenders facing imprisonment.

    While some members of the public support the bill, others, including the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), have raised concerns about its potential to infringe on people’s rights and freedoms as guaranteed in the constitution.

    However, Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, Sam George, insists that no part of the bill violates the laws outlined in the 1992 constitution.

    The Finance Ministry has advised President Akufo-Addo against signing the bill, citing concerns that Ghana could lose over $3 billion in World Bank funding for various programs and projects.

    In response, President Akufo-Addo reassured the international community of Ghana’s commitment to upholding human rights despite the passage of the bill. He emphasized Ghana’s long-standing reputation for respecting human rights and adherence to the rule of law.

    President Akufo-Addo clarified that the bill is currently facing a legal challenge at the Supreme Court. Therefore, his government will not take any action on the bill until a decision is made by the court.

  • I will focus on job creation – Egyapa Mercer

    I will focus on job creation – Egyapa Mercer

    Ministerial-designate for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Andrew Egyapa Mercer, has pledged to uphold government investment in the tourism sector to create more job opportunities.

    Before the Appointments Committee of Parliament on Tuesday, March 5, Mr. Mercer highlighted the significant potential of the tourism industry in job creation, which could help address the nation’s growing unemployment challenges.

    He referenced initiatives like the Year of Return as examples of how tourism can attract investments to Ghana.

    “So I will ensure that the government makes the right investments already a lot has been done in terms of the project, product and the marketing of the Year of Return for example December in Ghana is created huge jobs but a lot more has to be done, and it will be my responsibility then to ensure the right investments in the sector are done to ensure job creation,” he said.

    While acknowledging the government’s efforts in this regard, Mercer stressed the need for further action to benefit the Ghanaian people.

    He affirmed his commitment to bringing new ideas to the ministry and advocated for increased collaboration with the private sector to advance the nation’s tourism agenda.

  • Ghana’s tourism has been boosted by ‘new’ Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park – Akufo-Addo

    Ghana’s tourism has been boosted by ‘new’ Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park – Akufo-Addo

    President Akufo-Addo, in his State of the Nation Address (SONA), declared that the comprehensive rehabilitation of the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park has triggered a notable upswing in tourism, both from within the country and abroad.

    Highlighting the surge in visitors post-commissioning, the President disclosed that between July 14 and December 31, 2023, a total of 208,557 individuals, encompassing domestic and international tourists, visited the park.

    He underscored that various enhancements were made to other facilities, garnering interest from the private sector for the development of additional tourist sites.

    Notably, the national museum gallery, closed since 2015, underwent full refurbishment, attracting over 35,000 visitors in 2023, including school children.

    In emphasizing the importance of preserving Ghana’s cultural heritage, President Akufo-Addo announced the construction of the country’s inaugural Kente museum at Bonwire in the Ashanti region.

    He said: “Mr Speaker, for the first time since the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park was constructed in 1992, Government has undertaken a full modernisation rehabilitation of the facility. Since the commissioning of the modernised park in July 2023, the number of domestic and international visitors has risen dramatically.

     “A national newspaper, reporting on activities at the revamped Park, had a screaming headline which said AKUFO-ADDO RESURRECTS NKRUMAH. That gave me pause for a moment, but, on reflection, I decided I would accept it, be it a compliment, or criticism or an addition to the collection of sayings by our elders. Whichever it is, since the commissioning, there have been two hundred and eight thousand, five hundred and fifty-seven (208,557) domestic and international visitors to the Park between 14th July and 31st December 2023. Mr Speaker, compare that, if you may, with the best performance until then, which was in the Year of Return in 2019, when there were one hundred and twenty-six thousand, one hundred and ninety (126,190) visitors in the year. Other facilities are being upgraded, and it is good to note that the private sector is showing interest, and getting into the development of tourist attraction sites”.

    This initiative aims to safeguard and promote Ghana’s rich cultural legacy.

    Furthermore, the President assured that preparatory works and construction design for Heroes Park, dedicated to commemorating Ghana’s “big six,” were completed in the previous year, with construction set to commence soon.

    President Akufo-Addo reflected on a headline from a national newspaper, stating “AKUFO-ADDO RESURRECTS NKRUMAH,” acknowledging the significant increase in visitors since the park’s modernization. He shared the visitor statistics, comparing them with previous years, noting the remarkable growth in attendance since the park’s commissioning in July 2023.

    The Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park underwent an extensive Gh¢30 million renovation and modernization, culminating in its commissioning by President Akufo-Addo on July 4th, 2023. Originally established in 1991 and opened in 1992, the park had not undergone any renovations since its inception, leading to considerable deterioration. The refurbishment aimed to restore the park to its former glory and enhance its appeal to tourists, both locally and internationally.

  • Lunar New Year: China spends more on tourism than pre-COVID

    Lunar New Year: China spends more on tourism than pre-COVID

    Tourism spending in China rose higher than before Covid during the Lunar New Year holiday, according to government data.

    According to the government, people spent 47% more on tourism within their own country this year compared to last year. The amount spent was about 632. 7 billion yuan (£69. 7bn)

    The parties happened after many years of pandemic rules and limits, which were stopped in early 2023.

    The data increased because the holiday was one day longer than usual.
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    During the first week of the Year of the Dragon, 474 million trips were taken within the country. The break lasted for eight days and ended on Sunday. That was over 34% more than last year and 19% higher than in 2019 before the pandemic.

    The officials didn’t give details, but based on the numbers we have, it looks like people are spending about 9. 5% less on their trips compared to last year.

    According to analysts at Goldman Sachs, many people are still choosing to spend less money on things.

    The Spring Festival in China is a really big holiday when lots of people travel. It’s the biggest migration in the world.

    Usually, many people in China go back to their hometowns to see their families or go on trips around the country.

    During the pandemic, big parties were called off and people were not allowed to travel.

    The increase in spending during Lunar New Year is good news for China, even though the country is going through some tough times.

    Beijing is dealing with some big problems, like a housing market crisis, low overseas sales, and worries about prices dropping for things people buy.

    “New information released on Sunday showed that the amount of money foreign businesses invested in China last year was the smallest it has been in 30 years. ”

    According to the State Administration of Foreign Exchange, the amount of money coming from other countries to invest in our country is the lowest it has been since 1993.

  • I will contribute my quota to drive Ghana’s tourism to greater heights – Egyapa Mercer

    Member of Parliament for Sekondi, Lawyer Egyapa Mercer, has asserted his dedication to actively contribute and play a pivotal role in propelling the country’s tourism to unprecedented heights.

    Egyapa Mercer, recently appointed as the Minister-designate for Tourism, emphasized his determination to significantly elevate the industry, pledging a focused and proactive effort to foster growth, development, and global recognition within the realm of Ghana’s tourism.

    He also conveyed his gratitude to President Akufo-Addo for selecting him to lead the Ministry for Tourism, Arts, and Culture.

    He also extended appreciation to his constituents for entrusting him with the parliamentary mandate, a role that enabled the President, in accordance with the Constitution, to nominate him for this new position.

    During an interview with Nhyiraba Paa Kwesi Simpson on Connect FM’s Omanbapa Morning Show, Egyapa Mercer emphasized that his nomination underscored the President’s unwavering commitment to position Ghana as the premier tourism destination in Africa.

    Expressing his gratitude, he stated, “I’m extremely grateful to the President for this new role and to my constituents because they voted for me to be in Parliament. It is because of them that I have been nominated to this position. I have worked with the President in various capacities, and he appointed me as a Deputy Minister at the Energy Ministry. He has seen my work and wants me to lead another Ministry, and I’m very grateful for that.”

    Egyapa Mercer shares the President’s vision of prioritizing tourism for national development, citing the sector’s substantial potential in job creation and revenue generation.

    “I’m going there to put up my best as I did in the Energy Ministry. We are all aware of the tremendous growth in the tourism industry under the leadership of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. We also know the potentials of tourism and its traditional benefits to the country. I’m going there to see what is there and what we can also add. At all times, I try to put up my best wherever I find myself and I believe with the help of God, I will contribute my quota to the sector,” he affirmed.

    Egyapa Mercer’s elevation to a substantive ministerial position comes from his current role as Deputy Energy Minister.

    The appointment is subject to parliamentary approval, which is expected in the coming weeks.

  • Malawi lifts visa restrictions 79 countries to enhance tourism, trade opportunities

    Malawi lifts visa restrictions 79 countries to enhance tourism, trade opportunities

    Malawi lifts visa restrictions for citizens of 79 countries, aiming to boost tourism and trade.

    The amendment, announced by Homeland Security Minister Ken Zikhałe, includes exemptions for nationals of the UK, China, Russia, Germany, Australia, Canada, Belgium, Ghana, The Gambia, Sierra Leone, France, and others.

    Additionally, citizens from the Southern African Development Community (Sadc) and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (Comesa) are now visa-exempt.

    Certain groups like diplomats and government officials, as well as countries with mutual exchange agreements, are also exempt. Multiple-entry visas now have a validity of up to 12 months.

    Tourism Minister Vera Kamtukule emphasized the significance of this decision in unlocking Malawi’s potential. The British embassy encouraged its nationals to explore Malawi’s tourist attractions.

    Malawi joins Kenya and Rwanda in easing travel restrictions for African visitors.

  • Brunei’s ‘hot prince’ officially ties the knot in a 10-day celebration

    Brunei’s ‘hot prince’ officially ties the knot in a 10-day celebration

    Prince Abdul Mateen of Brunei, celebrated for his handsome appearance and military service, has wedded his commoner fiancée in a lavish 10-day royal wedding, gaining admiration online.

    The internet-famous prince disclosed his relationship and engagement to Yang Mulia Anisha Rosnah in December.

    The revelation came as a surprise to many fans of the man who was once hailed as one of Asia’s most eligible bachelors.

    The bride is the granddaughter of an adviser to Brunei’s leader, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah.

    She is reported to own a fashion and tourism company.

    Prince Abdul Mateen, 32, was dressed in ceremonial uniform and his bride, 29, wore a long white dress and jewels for the ceremony at the Istana Nurul Iman palace.

    Prince Abdul Mateen and Yang Mulia Anisha Rosnah greeted members of the public during their wedding procession in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei’s capital

    The reported 5,000 wedding guests included royalty from Saudi Arabia and Jordan, as well as Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo and the leader of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

    The pair made their first public appearance as a married couple, waving at thousands of well-wishers from the back of an open-top Rolls Royce, as a lavish procession made its way through the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan.

    Schoolteacher Norliha Mohamad told AFP news agency the chance to glimpse the royal couple was a “once-in-a-lifetime moment”.

    Brunei’s Prince Abdul Mateen and Yang Mulia Anisha Rosnah announced their engagement late last year

    Prince Mateen is a major presence on social media, with over 2.5m followers on Instagram and thousands more on TikTok.

    There were sighs from some of his fans after he posted a picture of himself alongside his bride-to-be on New Year’s Eve.

    “2024 starts with a heartbreak”, wrote one follower, with another jokingly calling him an “international heartbreaker”. Many others rejoiced at the news he was about to tie the knot.

    Many of his other posts capture the prince at special functions or out exploring, attracting numerous heart emojis and compliments in the comments.

    On Wednesday, local TV stations broadcast some of the wedding events in the small, oil-rich sultanate.

    Prince Mateen is the 10th child of the Sultan, the world’s longest-reigning monarch and one of the richest.

    The newly-wedded couple was greeted by guests and pageantry as they walked down the aisle at the reception in Istana Nurul Iman

    The prince holds no immediate succession claim to the throne but his profile has risen tremendously.

    Video edits of the prince at royal functions, playing in polo matches and being spotted in his army uniform abound online.

    The wedding kicked off on 7 January and reached its height in Sunday’s large ceremony.

    The Islamic marriage ceremony occurred on Wednesday formalising Prince Mateen’s marriage. It was only attended only by male members of the wedding party including the prince and his father.

    On Wednesday, footage showed citizens lining the streets of the capital as the royal motorcade carried the Sultan and Prince Mateen to his solemnisation inside a golden-domed mosque.

    Prince Mateen wore a traditional white outfit and headpiece that featured a diamond-shaped print. After being bestowed by an imam, he bowed and paid his respects to his father.

  • More than 180 individuals successfully completes Ghana Cares program

    More than 180 individuals successfully completes Ghana Cares program

    A total of 184 individuals from the hospitality and tourism sector in the Upper West Region have successfully completed the Ghana Cares Obatampa program, an initiative by the government through the Ministry of Finance aimed at post-COVID-19 recovery.

    These graduates underwent comprehensive and hands-on skills training provided by the Tamale Technical University (TaTU), an implementing institution for the Ghana Cares Obatampa program in the northern region of Ghana.

    Among the graduates, 49 completed their training in Front Office Operation, 71 in Conferencing, Banqueting, and Event Management, and 64 in Food Processing and Preparation.

    During the graduation ceremony in Wa, Dr. Michael Akurugu Brigandi, Chairman of the Project Implementation Committee at TaTU, emphasized that this training was an integral component of the government’s post-COVID-19 measures to mitigate the pandemic’s impact on businesses in the country.

    He lauded the government’s responsiveness to the challenges faced by young entrepreneurs in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak and its associated consequences on businesses throughout the nation. Dr. Brigandi expressed optimism that the skills acquired by these young entrepreneurs would enhance their business operations, improve product and service quality, and ultimately boost the profitability of their enterprises.

    “I have always said the certificate is like a taxi, it will carry you to wherever you are going but what will keep you there are your skills, knowledge, competence, and dedication.

    I would, therefore, like to urge you all not to be content with the certificates you will be taking today but also the training that the government has spent money on to train you is something that has added value to your life and to your work as professionals in your various areas of operation,” Dr. Brigandi explained.

    The Chairman of the Committee, who stood in for the Vice Chancellor of TaTU, encouraged the graduates to share the knowledge and skills they acquired during their training with their apprentices and those in their communities.

    Mr. Abdul-Rahaman Mei-goro, the Personal Assistant to the Upper West Regional Minister, representing the Minister, emphasized that this training showcased the President’s determination to rejuvenate businesses in the country in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. He commended the graduates, stating that they were “living proof” of the government’s commitment to reviving businesses affected by the pandemic.

    In her valedictory speech, Umu Salwa Mu-awia expressed gratitude to the government for the valuable training they had received, acknowledging that the skills acquired would have a positive impact on their businesses.

    “We are ambassadors of change, custodians of wisdom imparted to us, and champions of a revitalised hospitality and tourism industry.

    “Let us redefine standards, embrace diversity, and foster a culture of continuous learning,” she intimated.

    Mu-awia inspired her coworkers to work toward turning their “dreams into tangible realities and challenges into opportunities.”

  • Young business owners in tourism, other sectors, eligible for 5-year tax exemption – Hadzide

    Young business owners in tourism, other sectors, eligible for 5-year tax exemption – Hadzide

    The Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority (NYA), Pius Enam Hadzide, emphasized that individuals aged 15 to 35 engaged in sectors such as tourism, manufacturing, water, and sanitation are eligible for a 5-year tax holiday.

    He highlighted that despite this beneficial provision, many individuals remain unaware of this opportunity, consequently missing out on the advantages of tax exemptions.

    During an appearance on 3FM’s Sunrise show on Tuesday, August 15, 2023, Pius Enam Hadzide stressed the importance of increasing public awareness regarding tax holidays and other established provisions designed to support young entrepreneurs in Ghana.

    He indicated that it’s time for his organization and relevant stakeholders to enhance educational efforts in this regard.

    He said, “one of the things I have noticed is public education and we at the NYA must accept the challenge to go out more. There are many interventions in our systems that we need to let young people know about.”

    “If you are a young person between the ages of 15 and 35 years in our country and you start a business in some areas like tourism, manufacturing, water and sanitation, according to the law, you are entitled to tax holidays for 5 years but many people don’t know and they don’t, therefore, apply themselves to some of these provisions,” the CEO of National Youth Authority stated.

    Tax holidays, often known as tax exemptions or subsidies, are times when an individual or business is permitted to pay no taxes or significantly less taxes than usual.

    Tax holidays reportedly give business owners the chance to recuperate their investments without having to pay taxes.

  • Osu Castle to serve as presidential and governance museum

    The Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture has revealed government’s intentions to transform the Osu Castle into a presidential and governance museum.

    This museum will be dedicated to Ghana’s former presidents and will serve to deepen understanding of the nation’s political history.

    The Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Dr. Ibrahim Awal Mohammed, shared this announcement in Accra.

    This initiative aligns with the ministry’s goal of establishing a space that commemorates and honors Ghana’s past presidents.

    Dr. Mohammed stated, “We are planning to establish new museums across the country. We’re starting with the heroes’ park for the big six. We will modernize circles like the Danquah circle, Busia circle at 37, in Saltpond, Tamale, Kyebi, and other regions next year.”

    He added, “Once renovated and modernized, the Osu Castle will serve as a presidential museum dedicated to all former presidents of Ghana.”

    Additionally, the ministry is seeking media support for the Destination Ghana Project, which aims to boost the tourism industry and enhance its contribution to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

    The project aspires to attract four million domestic and international visitors to various tourist sites across the country.

    Dr. Mohammed shared these details during an Editor’s Forum, seeking media collaboration to foster industry growth. He emphasized that the project’s objective is to generate revenue surpassing $6 billion and create over 150,000 job opportunities within four years.

  • Tourism Ministry sets aside GHS100m to support youth-led enterprises

    Tourism Ministry sets aside GHS100m to support youth-led enterprises

    The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture has dedicated resources to bolster youth-driven initiatives in the tourism sector, allocating a substantial GH¢100 million.

    Revealing this development in Accra on Monday, August 14, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Dr Ibrahim Mohammed Awal, emphasized the government’s commitment to transforming the narrative surrounding tourism, arts, and cultural advancement.

    During an interaction with a group of esteemed editors, Dr Awal highlighted the ministry’s plans to enhance the sector by providing comprehensive training to 6,000 young individuals across the tourism value chain, focusing on customer orientation.

    Driven by its promising potential, tourism has emerged as the country’s third-largest contributor to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). In 2021, the sector’s contribution amounted to approximately $3.1 billion. Projections indicate a rise to around $4 billion in GDP contribution by 2025.

    The services sector, encompassing tourism, took the lead by contributing 45.8 percent to the GDP at basic prices in the previous year, solidifying its pivotal role.

    Dr Awal articulated his office’s aspiration to establish the country as a hub for Meetings, Incentives, Conferencing, and Events (MICE), alongside business tourism. He underscored the potential for leveraging the nation’s tranquility, excellent airport facilities, and connectivity to bolster the tourism industry.

    Furthermore, the government is actively advocating the “Destination Ghana Project,” a four-year initiative aimed at drawing in two million international visitors and an equivalent number of domestic tourists, fostering tourism growth and engagement within the country.

    “We are going to modernise the Du Bois Centre next year, the Osu Christiansburg Castle and other tourist attractions.

    We are doing a lot outside Accra to attract tourists, both domestic and international. The ministry will build new museums across the country and a heroes’ park for the Big Six,” Dr Awal explained.

    As part of its endeavors to prioritize tourism, arts, and culture, the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture emphasized that the ministry has undertaken several interactions with various stakeholders, encompassing the business sector, academia, and the diplomatic community.

    On his part, the Minister of Information, Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah, emphasized the importance of forging partnerships with the media to elevate the sector’s prominence.

    Referring to the sector as a significant driver of the country’s economic progress, Mr. Oppong-Nkrumah emphasized that the recent interventions have played a pivotal role in advancing the economy. Consequently, he urged the media to raise awareness about the nation’s tourism, arts, and cultural domains by giving them prominent coverage.

    In this regard, the Information Minister highlighted the media’s responsibility to report on sector developments, medium-term plans, policies, programs, and also facilitate constructive feedback.

    Furthermore, Mr. Oppong-Nkrumah underscored the importance of the media’s role in fostering partnerships and fostering closer collaboration within the tourism, creative arts, and culture sector.

    In a presentation titled “Ghana’s Journey in Tourism,” Akwasi Agyeman, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), highlighted deliberate endeavors to enhance the appeal of tourism product offerings.

    Concurrently, there has been a robust marketing campaign over the past five years, bolstered by the introduction of legislation aimed at enhancing the sector’s attractiveness.

    Mr. Agyeman also acknowledged the sector’s strides in monitoring and research to enhance various facets of tourism. These endeavors encompass revitalizing and elevating the vibrancy of Accra’s nightlife, revitalizing craft villages, and contributing to the development of a distinctive enclave culture within the nation’s capital, Accra.

  • Contestants of Miss Teen Tourism World 2023 visits Kakum National Park

    Contestants of Miss Teen Tourism World 2023 visits Kakum National Park

    The contestants of Miss Teen Tourism World 2023 embarked on an exhilarating journey as they explored the renowned Kakum National Park in the Central Region. Donning their bespoke pink t-shirts and paired jeans, along with their sashes, the teen beauty ambassadors ventured into the park and its iconic canopy walkway, their emotions a mix of both anticipation and excitement.

    Kakum National Park stands as a testament to Ghana’s breathtaking beauty and diverse biodiversity. Spanning across lush landscapes, this natural gem provides a sanctuary for local wildlife and plant life alike.

    The park’s highlight is undoubtedly its famed canopy walkway, a tribute to human ingenuity. Amidst the treetops, visitors can stroll and witness the vibrant forest life beneath them. Elevated to impressive heights, the walkway offers a unique perspective, granting glimpses of the world below. With each step, visitors harmonize with the natural surroundings.

    As the team explored various parts of the Central Region, a visit to Kakum National Park was an essential addition to their itinerary.

    Additionally, the contestants had the opportunity to visit The Ghana National College, an institution founded on July 20, 1948, by Ghana’s first president, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. The establishment of the college was funded by Dr. Kwame Nkrumah himself and emerged from the movement for Ghana’s liberation from colonial rule.

    Miss Teen Tourism World 2023 is taking place in Ghana from August 1 to 20.

  • Ghana joins World Tourism Organisation executive council

    Ghana joins World Tourism Organisation executive council

    Ghana has become a member of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation’s (UNWTO) Executive Council.

    The UNWTO is responsible for promoting responsible, sustainable, and universally accessible tourism, while also driving economic growth, inclusive development, and a sustainable environment through tourism.

    Five other countries, namely Nigeria, Rwanda, Namibia, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, were also selected to serve on the council during the 66th UNWTO Commission for Africa meeting in Mauritius.

    The council’s role includes consulting with the Secretary-General to implement decisions that will enhance global tourism.

    The official unveiling of the council will take place at the next UNWTO General Assembly meeting scheduled for October in Uzbekistan.

    In his acceptance speech, Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed Awal, the Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, expressed Ghana’s commitment to prioritize travel and tourism on the global development agenda.

    He also called on African tourism ministers to focus on sustainable practices to protect the environment and ensure that local communities benefit from tourism.

    Dr. Awal further emphasized the need for investments in tourism infrastructure and capacity-building for operators along the tourism value chain to enhance Africa’s competitiveness in the sector.

    President Akufo-Addo has given directives for the implementation of innovative strategies to maximize the contributions of tourism, arts, and culture to national development.

    He aims to achieve two million international tourist arrivals and annual receipts of $6 billion by 2025.

  • Kumawu MP urges govt to support Sekyere Kumawu District reach full tourism potential

    Kumawu MP urges govt to support Sekyere Kumawu District reach full tourism potential

    Member of Parliament (MP) for the Kumawu Constituency, Ernest Yaw Anim, has called on the government to prioritize and support the tourism potential of Sekyere Kumawu District.

    He highlighted that the district possesses significant tourism prospects, but it has not received the necessary attention for its growth and development.

    In his maiden statement in Parliament on Tuesday, July 25, after his election, Mr. Yaw Anim outlined the various tourism potentials present in the district. He emphasized that harnessing these resources could greatly contribute to the improvement of the country’s struggling economy.

    “Mr. Speaker, Sekyere Kumawu is a district blessed with an abundance of breathtaking natural wonders. Its most prized treasure, the Bomfobiri Wildlife Sanctuary, stands as a sanctuary for an array of fascinating creatures, encompassing a diverse range of birds, baboons, crocodiles, and buffalos.”

    “Furthermore, this sanctuary boasts an attractive rainforest and a woodland savannah, adorned with plush green vegetation that entices visitors. Additionally, within Sekyere Kumawu, one can discover remarkable attractions such as the Lion Stone – which is a naturally carved stone resembling a lion, the Stone Bridge, and the magnificent Waala Waterfalls.”

    He added that “It is my firm belief that when fully harnessed the potential held within the district can be unprecedented. With such remarkable strengths at its disposal, Sekyere Kumawu has the potential to blossom into a premier tourism destination.”

    He has thus urged the government to urgently support the district to achieve its full tourism potentials.

    “I implore the government to carefully consider the vast tourism potential held within Sekyere Kumawu and extend the vital support needed to catalyze the growth of the district’s tourism industry.”

    “Moreover, it is crucial to recognise the opportunities and threats that lie ahead for Sekyere Kumawu in the tourism sector. The growing interest in ecotourism presents a promising opportunity, as the world increasingly values sustainable travel experiences.”

  • Government to achieve 35% of GDP through tourism – Ken Ofori-Atta

    Government to achieve 35% of GDP through tourism – Ken Ofori-Atta

    The importance of tourism and its potential effects on the domestic economy as well as its role in job creation have been highlighted by Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta.

    He claims that the government wants to increase the country’s gross domestic product by around 35% through tourism in order to spur regional economic growth.

    On July 4, the finance minister stated, “The building is expected to contribute significantly with approximately 1.2 million anticipated tourism arrivals into Ghana for 2023 and an estimated corresponding revenue of $3.4 billion.”

    He was speaking at a ceremony to commission the renovated Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park in Accra.

    “The evidence of the vital role of tourism for economic development is clear. For instance, in 2022, tourists spent 660 billion in emerging and developing countries which is about 3 times the amount of official development assistance for that year,” he noted.

    “Tourism contributes about 5 percent of Ghana’s GDP and in Jamaica its about 35 percent of their GDP and that is where we [Ghana] want to achieve,” Ken Ofori-Atta.

    According to him, the tourism industry offers a distinct opportunity to generate employment and income for people of all genders, ages, and skill levels, thereby providing a way out of poverty for millions.

    The finance minister expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Tourism for their diligent efforts in prioritizing and enhancing the sector’s contribution to national development and cultural progress.

    Furthermore, he extended gratitude to the World Bank for their unwavering financial support of $3.5 million, dedicated to the revitalization of the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park.

    Meanwhile, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo emphasized that the 5.4-acre facility, established in 1992 to commemorate, promote, and preserve the legacy of Ghana’s first president, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, had not undergone any significant improvements until now.

    He highlighted that the renovated park now reflects the extraordinary stature of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, a renowned Pan-Africanist who played a prominent role in the struggle for Ghana’s and Africa’s liberation.

    The park’s renovation, estimated at $3.5 million, is part of the Ghana Tourism Development Project (GTDP), a $40 million initiative supported by the World Bank. The project aims to enhance tourism performance in selected destinations across the country.

  • Tourism Ministry charged to leverage revamped Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park to attract 1million tourists annually

    Tourism Ministry charged to leverage revamped Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park to attract 1million tourists annually

    President Akufo-Addo has tasked the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture to ensure the country brings in one million tourists annually just to tour the newly revamped Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park.

    The President commissioned the renovated park on Tuesday, July 4, hence making it accessible to the public.

    In his address to the gathering, the President noted that prior to its renovation, the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park brought in about 90,000 tourists yearly, thus an upgrade should lead to an increase in the number of tourists.

    “Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park which attracted some 90,000 annually before the renovation, is now expected to attract over one million tourists annually. I’m charging the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, and its agencies to devise effective marketing and promotional strategies, to achieve the target of 1 million domestic and international tourist visitations to the Park”.

    The park which is located on the coast of Accra was built by the late Jerry John Rawlings in the year 1990 in honour of Dr Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first President. It was subsequently opened to the public in 1992.

    Since its construction, the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park had not seen any revamp. On 19th July 2022, the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed Awal, cut sod for the commencement of the rehabilitation and redevelopment of the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park and Mausoleum.

    This was after the government in 2018 secured a US$40 million loan facility from the World Bank through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture to strengthen the tourism environment.

    Now in its upgraded state, the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park houses a presidential library, an audio-visual Fountain which incorporates captivating visuals and synchronized music, an upgraded road and drainage Network among others.

    On their part, the family of Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah expressed appreciation to government for the redevelopment of the Memorial Park.

    Meanwhile, President Akufo-Addo has revealed that government is on a quest to make Ghana the hub of tourism in West Africa and as such is committed to building museums and other tourist attractions in various parts of the country. 

    As part of this initiative, government is set to construct a museum dedicated to Asante warrior and Queen Mother of Ejisu, Yaa Asantewaa, and the big six, among others.

    “Construction of museums and heroes park for the big six, a memorial park in Cape Coast for the Aborigines, a memorial enclave in Tamale for the founders of the erstwhile Northern People’s Party to symbolise their participation in the drive for national independence and the completion of the ongoing works at the Bonwire museum and Yaa Asantewaa museum, both in Ejisu are in the offing,” President Akufo-Addo said.

    Tourism forms parts of ways to grow an economy and in Ghana, the sector stands as the  third largest contributor to the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

    The tourism sector in 2021 generated a revenue of $2.1 billion and contributed about $2.3 billion in the subsequent year.

    The government plans to rake in $4 billion from the tourism sector by 2024.

  • Akufo-Addo charges Tourism Ministry to hit two million tourism arrivals by 2025

    Akufo-Addo charges Tourism Ministry to hit two million tourism arrivals by 2025

    President Akufo-Addo has tasked the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture to ramp up promotional activities to achieve the target of two million international arrivals by 2025.  

    That, he noted, would result in corresponding earnings of some $4 billion to the national economy, in addition to the hundreds of thousands of jobs that would be created in the tourism value chain.  

    Speaking at the opening of the Presidential Summit on Tourism at the Peduase Lodge in the Eastern Region on Tuesday, President Akufo-Addo said that the government had placed tourism at the forefront of national development.  

    He said the tourism sector is a major driver of economic growth, enterprise development and job creation, thus players must pull efforts and resources to develop “sustainable tourism to ensure that benefits reach every corner of the country.”  

    The two-day summit is on the theme, “Rethinking Tourism for Economic Growth and Job Creation.” It is being organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture and the Ghana Tourism Authority.  

    Some 400 participants are taking part in the event. The summit aims to encourage critical thinking about tourism’s future and its impact on national development.  

    The gathering also seeks to create a platform to explore novel approaches to tourism and prioritise sustainability, and community involvement, and facilitate dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders in the industry.  

    With the tourism sector demanding partnerships in all approaches, the President called on all stakeholders to unite efforts, share knowledge and pull resources to create a comprehensive framework that facilitates dialogue.  

    He suggested that players in the industry must adopt a four-fold approach- Preservation, Promotion, Policy Leadership and Partnership- to make the tourism sector a driving force for national development.  

    President Akufo-Addo indicated that the government and all stakeholders in the tourism sector “must preserve what we have as a country. We are the guardians of Ghana’s natural wonders, and it is our responsibility to safeguard them for future generations.”  

    “We must amplify Ghana’s unique tourism appeal on the global stage through strategic marketing campaigns, enhanced digital presence, and targeted investments in infrastructure,” he said, adding, “Through this effort, we can showcase the diverse attractions the nation has to offer.”   

    The President urged the private sector to show policy leadership in creating the right climate and platform for investments to grow in the tourism sector.  

    He stressed the need for a collaborative approach involving all stakeholders to unlock the economic potential of the tourism industry.  

    “Let us unite our efforts, share knowledge, and pull resources. Let us create a comprehensive framework that facilitates dialogue, cooperation, and innovation.  

    “Together, we can develop sustainable tourism models, empower domestic entrepreneurs, and ensure that the benefits of tourism reach every corner of our beloved country.  

    “We are building a thriving tourism economy with many tourism sites currently undergoing improvements. We are determined to build a tourism economy where hospitality, arts and culture are used as tools to spur economic development,” President Akufo-Addo said.  

    Dr Ibrahim Mohammed Awal, the Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture noted that the tourism industry has started showing signs of recovery and growth after the devastating impact the COVID-19 pandemic exacted on the sector.  

    He called on sector players to support the efforts the government was making to position Ghana as the tourism destination on the African continent.  

    “The first quarter of this year (2023) tourism numbers grew 47 per cent from 170,000 last year at this time to 247,000 arrivals. If each tourist spends $3,000.00 dollars, you can imagine how much that is.  

    “Our destination Ghana project is on course, and I want to assure all stakeholders that we are not resting. We want you to give us your support, partner us and we will make Ghana the choice for tourists,” he said.  

    Dr Awal disclosed that Ghana had overtaken the Gambia and Senegal as the most desired tourism destination in West Africa.  

    “Ghana is now the most attractive tourism destination in West Africa. Just two years ago, it was Gambia and Senegal, today we are number one. It was projected that this achievement will be done in 2026, however, under President Akufo-Addo’s leadership, today, Ghana is the most sought-after place for tourists. We will continue to do our best,” he said.  

    Data shows that tourism is gaining ground again following the lull caused by COVID-19.  

    International arrivals saw an 81 per cent growth in 2022, whilst domestic tourism also grew from 600,000 in 2021 to almost a million in 2022.

  • We are establishing a vibrant tourism industry – President

    We are establishing a vibrant tourism industry – President

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has stated that the country is better prepared than ever to establish an all-inclusive, booming tourism industry – not just in the sub-region, but across the entire continent.

    The president was speaking at the opening ceremony of a two-day Presidential Summit on Tourism at the Peduase Lodge, and said tourism has always been a cornerstone of Ghana’s heritage.

    “From our lush rainforests to our vibrant markets; to the historic castles and serene beaches including the various cultural festivals and wealth of natural beauty – cultural diversity and historical significance that draws the world’s attention – tourism has always been a cornerstone of our heritage,” he said.

    The event was aimed at bringing tourism stakeholders together to explore new approaches to the sector, with priorities for national development, job creation and sustainable tourism.

    Speaking on the theme ‘Rethinking Tourism for Economic Growth and Job Creation’, President Akufo-Addo proposed that the sector should adopt preservation, promotion, policy leadership and partnerships to ensure tourism is developed in a sustainable, responsible and all-inclusive manner.

    Preservation

    The president said it is important that tourism practitioners and stakeholders preserve what the country has, and be guardians of Ghana’s natural wonders.

    “It is our responsibility to safeguard them for future generations, strengthen our commitment to environmental conservation, combat climate change and promote ecofriendly practices in the tourism industry. This will attract eco-conscious travellers who seek such destinations that align with their values,” he said.

    Promotion

    Ghana’s unique appeal, according to the president, must be well-amplified on the billboard stage through strategic marketing campaigns, enhanced digital presence and targetted investment in infrastructure to showcase the diverse attractions.

    He said the ministry and GTA have been creating warm and massive experiences for visitors through quality promotions since 2019 till date.

    “Through policy leadership, the public sector must show right policy leadership in creating the right climate and platform for tourism growth. It is for this reason that government is prioritising the E-visa regime, the homeland return act and visa on arrival processes,” he noted.

    The president added: “The sector requires partnerships and a collaborative approach involving all stakeholders, asking players to unite efforts, share knowledge and pool resources to develop sustainable policy models”.

    With ‘The Year of Return’ bringing the transformative power of tourism not only in growth of the economy but also fostering cross-cultural understanding and enhancing social cohesion, the president tasked the Tourism Ministry and Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) to ramp-up promotion activities to achieve the target of two million international arrivals by 2025.

    He commended the World Bank’s support for the sector, and asked for additional expansion of support to the sector.

    Tourism Minister, Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed Awal, said investments in the sector are yielding positive results.

    He said there was a surge in visitor numbers by 47 percent in the first quarter this year compared to last year. Indeed, 170,000 first-quarter visitors were recorded last year compared to 247,000 arrivals in the same period this year.

    That is a huge progress made, Dr. Awal said, adding: “The ‘Destination Ghana’ project is on course, with many infrastructure projects currently ongoing,” he said.

    GTA’s CEO, Akwasi Agyeman, said the summit’s theme – ‘Rethinking Tourism for Economic Growth and Job Creation’ – resonates deeply with the vision and aspirations of GTA in seeking to make Ghana a destination of choice for travellers seeking authentic experiences.

    “We have in the last few years witnessed the potential of tourism in driving economic growth, creating jobs and fostering sustainable development. However, to fully capitalise on this potential we must constantly adapt, innovate and rethink our approach to tourism,” he said.

    Tourist arrival expectations in 2023

    This year, Ghana is anticipating about 1.2 million international tourist arrivals, with an estimated revenue of some US$3.4billion into the tourism economy.

    Ghana has an overall tourism medium-term strategy to reach two million arrivals in 2025 – with not less than US$5.2billion revenue.

  • Abeiku Santana named among top 10 tourism and hospitality influencers in Africa

    Abeiku Santana named among top 10 tourism and hospitality influencers in Africa

    Mr. Gilbert Abeiku Aggrey, popularly known as Abeiku Santana, has been named among the Top 10 Hospitality and Tourism Influencers in Africa for the year 2022.

    The astute broadcaster was recognised for his more than two decades of dedicated service to the growth of tourism on the African continent, particularly in Ghana.

    Abeiku Santana, who is the Chief Executive Officer of Kaya Tours Ghana Ltd, one of the biggest tour operators in Ghana, received a certificate for his service at the Hospitality Awards Africa 2022.

    Nicknamed “Mr. Tourism on Air,” Abeiku Santana, a one-time winner of the Tourism Oriented Media Personality of the Year at the National Tourism Awards, was elated with his latest milestone and was grateful for the recognition.

    “The growth of domestic tourism is something I always have at heart, and this landmark achievement would further motivate me to give my best to the growth of African tourism.

    “The African tourism industry has massive potential, and I will urge governments across the Continent to invest heavily in this sector because it brings wealth and provides jobs for the masses,” he said.

    Abeiku Santana, who has a Master’s Degree in Tourism Management from the University of Cape Coast, was named among the Top 100 West African Personalities in Tourism in past years.

    Back in 2020, Abeiku Santana gained special recognition as the Exclusive Man of the Year for his exploits in Tourism Marketing and Promotion using his platform to promote Ghana’s tourism.

    Abeiku Santana, who works for the Despite Media Group, won the 2021 Radio and Television Personality of the Year.

    Source: gbconline.com

  • Boyé Gôh, the Ivorian festival seeking to promote peace and tourism

     

    This is Boyé Gôh, the first edition of a cultural festival in Guiglo, Ivory Coast.

    The event celebrates the culture of Wés, a people living across western Ivory Coast and neighbouring Liberia.

    Wés speak their own languages, and include numerous subgroups like Bété, Nyabwa, and Guéré.

    They are believed to have been living in the region since the 13th century.

    Boyé Gôh is a way to showcase the traditions, crafts and culture, promote peace and tourism, according to the organisers.

    Wés are known for wearing traditional masks called Glaes.

    “The Glaes are a secret society, they are spirits, they are our cultural values, and when we do events they have to come out,” says Félix Le Kpahi Dehe, organiser.

    “Their outings make it a craze in everything we do. And after them it’s joy and prosperity in the families, that’s why we love the Glaes very much.”

    And attendees are enjoying this live cultural display.

    “I think it is a very beautiful culture, I myself am from the region, I am Wé,” says Doué Sedjem Bon, former public servant.

    “I think it is interesting to meet very often, so that we can get back into our habits and customs. I take my hat off to the organisers, so that this festival can be perpetuated.”

     

    Source: African News

  • 2023 Budget: Revive and transform tourism sector – Tourism Federation to govt

    The Ghana Tourism Federation says government has lip services with regards to the growth of the tourism, sector despite its enormous potential.

    The Federation, therefore, wants to see an ambitious policy in the 2023 Budget to revive and transform the sector as one of the significant contributors to the economy.

    Speaking to Joy Business, Executive Secretary of the Federation, Emmanuel Frimpong said the government must begin implement promises made to stakeholders in the tourism sector.

    “I’m saying that government over the years has just given too many lip services to the sector. If you look at the potential of tourism in this country, and we’ve seen countries that are using tourism to contribute so much to their economy. But we hear too many talks, little efforts to actually position the tourism sector to contribute much to the economy”.

    “I think government has to prioritise whatever they are doing and I hope that this budget [2023] will seek to do that because if you look at tourism, it is one of the sectors that has the potential to impact on every aspect of the economy where everybody benefits, especially women”, he explained.

    He further added that tourism has the potential to bring in significant foreign exchange earnings.

    “I believe tourism has the potential to change some of the things we are seeing. I mean come to think of it, anybody that comes to the country as a tourist, comes here with foreign money. So, if we are talking about dollars that we don’t have, what is our problem”, he mentioned.

    “We have an airport that when people are coming here, it is difficult to get visa. Visa on arrival is a challenge…electronic visa is a challenge. Why should I be here chilling, I don’t know.  So these are the hanging proves that we should be looking at but government is doing nothing.

    Source: MyJoyOnline

     

  • I miss Ghana, I can’t wait to return – Kizz Daniel reveals ahead of December 23 concert

    Ghana has, in recent years, become a hub for entertainment and tourism.

    Kizz Daniel, who looks forward to his much-anticipated concert in Ghana next month, is eager to be in the country for a memorable experience.

    The singer, who is expected to thrill fans as part of events lined up for the ‘December in GH’ initiative, has disclosed that he can’t wait to meet his Ghanaian fans.

    Kizz Daniel told Lexis Bill in an interview on Drivetime on Joy, on Wednesday, “I’m really excited that I’m coming home. Ghana, it’s been a while. I miss you and I want to come back home”.

    The Buga hit-maker who couldn’t hide his excitement during the interview, revealed that he hadn’t been to Ghana in more than half-a-decade, stressing that he looks forward being welcomed with lots of love. “I need you guys to accept me, with your arms wide open, and I promise you, it’s going to be an epic experience”, he added.

    Kizz Daniel acknowledged the addition of Ghanaian musicians Kidi, Camidoh, Gyakie and Herman Suede to the line-up for the December 23 concert at the Untamed Empire Event Garden, powered by Joy Entertainment.

    I miss Ghana, I can’t wait to return - Kizz Daniel reveals ahead of December 23 concert

    CEO of Pepperdem Worldwide Entertainment, Sola Omotola, mentioned that both Pepperdem Worldwide Entertainment and Play Network Africa are “pumped up” ahead of the event and “know what it means to end the year” with the Kizz Daniel in Ghana concert.

    He added that “we will be dropping the prices from GHC450 to GHC300…for the first 5,000 fans”. Tickets are available on eventbrite.com

  • Ruddy Kwakye, Panji Anoff, Trigmatic named speakers for Showbiz Roundtable

    The breeze that blows from Joy Entertainment’s zone is one that industry players can’t keep calm about. Indeed, some of Ghana’s finest minds will converge for intellectual deliberations on the growth of the industry during the Showbiz Roundtable forum on October 29.

    The event, powered by Joy Entertainment, has revealed its list of speakers for the forum, themed, ‘Music Business and Tourism’. Hosted by seasoned broadcaster George Quaye, the thought-leadership forum seeks to dissect the dynamic facets of contracts, artistes PR, revenue, royalties, global hits, tourism, culture, among others.

    Ruddy Kwakye, Panji Anoff, Trigmatic named speakers for Showbiz Roundtable

    Few days ago, organizers of the event confirmed former CEO of 3 Music Networks, Sadiq Abdulai Abu, as one of the speakers for the thought-leadership forum, followed by the announcement of successful playwright, James Ebo Whyte and President of GHAMRO Rex Omar, as keynote speakers. The latest to join the rich list as renowned speakers are Trigmatic, Ruddy Kwakye and Panji Anoff.

    Sadiq Abdulai Abu is a media practitioner and no stranger to listeners of Joy FM’s Showbiz A–Z. Every week, the founder of Wildaland Festival, expresses insightful thoughts as a pundit, on varied issues in the entertainment space. He comes on board with experience and vast knowledge in the showbiz space and understands the need to steer talks in the direction of individual and collective development and benefits.

    Ruddy Kwakye, Panji Anoff, Trigmatic named speakers for Showbiz Roundtable

    Trigmatic is a songwriter, rapper and entrepreneur, known officially as Enoch Nana Yaw Oduro-Agyei. Having visited and collaborated with artistes from other parts of Africa, he comes on board with rich experience in music and its associated business. In March this year, he successfully held the Africa Music Business Dialogue in Accra, with the aim of educating musicians on the importance of elevating their quests beyond just making music.

    Ruddy Kwakye, Panji Anoff, Trigmatic named speakers for Showbiz Roundtable

    Ruddy Kwakye is an accomplished serial entrepreneur, content curator, media practitioner and often referred to as a creative thought-leader. He has spent years working hard behind some of Ghana’s biggest events, including the famous Afro Nation festival, which returns to Ghana in December. Ruddy’s accomplishments, achievements and managerial roles played over the years makes him a perfect choice for Showbiz Roundtable.

    Ruddy Kwakye, Panji Anoff, Trigmatic named speakers for Showbiz Roundtable

    Panji Anoff is the CEO of Pidgen Music. Panji holds over 3 decades of experience in arts and entertainment, having managed and worked with some of Ghana’s biggest export, King Ayisoba. He is also known for managing and producing Hiplife pioneers Talking Drums and Atenteben, to mention a few. He is also a writer and fearless critic whose views leave a lot of food for thought.

    Ruddy Kwakye, Panji Anoff, Trigmatic named speakers for Showbiz Roundtable

    Keynote Speakers

    James Whyte, often called Uncle Ebo Whyte is a Ghanaian playwright, and the head of Roverman Production, producers of some of the best stage plays in Ghana. He doubles as an author and motivational speaker. He recently revealed in an interview that his career as a playwright happened only by accident, but has however, gone on to write his name in the history of Ghanaian theatre.

    Ruddy Kwakye, Panji Anoff, Trigmatic named speakers for Showbiz Roundtable

    Rex Omar is currently the chairman and president of Ghana Music Rights Organization. He is veteran highlife singer well known for his interests in music royalties. The latter inspired his quest to join GHAMRO with the aim of ensuring that musicians get what they rightfully deserve off their craft.

    Ruddy Kwakye, Panji Anoff, Trigmatic named speakers for Showbiz Roundtable

    Edward Nana Poku Osei is affectionately called ‘Hammer of The Last 2’. He is a legendary music producer and the founder of The Last Two Music Group. Hammer is well known for discovering and grooming some of the Ghana’s best Hiphop and Hiplife artistes, including Obrafour, Tinny, Kwaw Kese, Sarkodie and Edem. Hammer is also known for being opinionated in matters surrounding the Ghanaian showbiz industry.

    Ruddy Kwakye, Panji Anoff, Trigmatic named speakers for Showbiz Roundtable

    With the announcement of these resource persons, Joy Entertainment nears its big day for the Showbiz Roundtable, which aims to not only tackle the aforementioned aspects of the industry, but also discuss other pertinent progressive issues affecting the entertainment industry.

    The forum powered by Joy Entertainment, will take place at the Labadi Beach Hotel from 2pm to 6pm. It will broadcast live on Joy FM, Joy Prime, and stream on all Joy Entertainment social media platforms.

    Source:myjoyonline.com

     

  • ‘Revenge travel’: A savior of the Indian tourism industry

    The COVID-19 outbreak prevented travel for more than two years, but today India’s tourist and hospitality sectors are pretty hopeful. Journalist Rubina A. Khan, a freelance, on the roots of optimism.

    Nearly 3% of India’s GDP and roughly 100 million jobs were created by tourism in 2019.

    But the sector was severely hit in India – like in other countries – when the pandemic struck. Only 2.74 million foreign tourists visited India in 2020 compared with 10.93 million the year before, official data shows.

    While the number of foreign visitors is still nowhere close to pre-pandemic levels, travel company operators and hotel industry executives say an upsurge in domestic tourists is making them more upbeat.

    After two years of being cooped up inside, Indians are now travelling with a vengeance – ‘revenge travel’, as the phenomenon is called. And many, experts say, now prefer to travel within the country instead of flying to more expensive destinations abroad.

    The industry is also benefiting from new trends borne of the pandemic such as micro-holidays and workcations.

    Deep Kalra, the founder, and chairman of the travel website Make My Trip, says the sector started seeing an upturn in the last quarter of 2020, and has been consistently recovering ever since

    Experts say the pandemic offered Indians an opportunity to explore their own country.

    India has always been a popular tourist destination. From historic forts and stunning palaces to dense jungles, there’s no shortage of options for visitors.

    But with international travel disrupted for months, more and more Indians became open to the idea of vacationing within the country, says Vishal Suri, the managing director of travel company SOTC.

    Taj Mahal
    IMAGE SOURCE,GETTY IMAGES Image caption, The Taj Mahal is one of the biggest tourist attractions in India

    “The pandemic has given Indians a new-found appreciation for the outdoors,” Mr Suri says.

    He adds that there has been an uptick in demand for unexplored destinations – people are seeking ways to combine pilgrimages and spiritual trips with experiencing local food, cultural trails and adventure.

    The pandemic also generated new trends such as staycations and workcations – combining remote working with vacations.

    “Travellers are now extremely comfortable with booking homestays that offer exclusivity, privacy, and the comfort of a home away from home,” says Pradeep Shetty, a senior official at the Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations Of India (FHRAI).

    Mr Kalra from Make My Trip agrees – he says that people have warmed up to the idea of travelling within India whenever possible.

    “Even the travel frequency has changed and become more regular. The annual break has now turned into micro-holidays with people increasingly taking more breaks in the form of multiple weekend getaways and seasonal holiday breaks,” he says.

    Impact on the hospitality sector

    This shift has turned out to be a revenue-spinner for hotels in India, as people are now willing to use the money they would normally reserve for their international vacations on better facilities domestically.

    Some luxury hotels dropped their prices at intervals in the pandemic, leading to a spike in bookings and short-term revenues.

    Puneet Chhatwal, the COO of The Indian Hotels Company Ltd (IHCL) – India’s largest hospitality company which operates the Taj chain of luxury hotels – says that after each successive Covid wave, the recovery was “stronger and quicker”.

    “The ICHL’s occupancy figures today exceed the pre-pandemic levels – a resurgence that is primarily fuelled by domestic tourism,” he adds.

    India Mumbai Apollo Bandar Colaba The Taj Mahal Palace hotel inside lobby flower bouquet.
    IMAGE SOURCE,GETTY IMAGES Image caption, The Taj in Mumbai is one of India’s most premium hotels

    Raffles Udaipur – run by international hotel chain Raffles – is situated on a private island and opened in August 2021, just months after the devastating second wave of the pandemic in India.

    But the hotel has seen a “healthy rate of occupancy” every month throughout its first year of operations in India, says Puneet Dhawan, the hotel’s senior vice-president for India and South Asia.

    “While we have no pre-pandemic metric to compare to, we have observed a steady rise in the response to our property,” he adds.

    Mr Dhawan says the hotel is gearing up for an even busier year ahead – starting with the tourist rush in winter and the upcoming wedding season.

    Mr Kalra says there are other positive signs too, such as the resumption of corporate travel – a trend that is likely to increase in the coming quarters, aiding overall recovery for the travel industry.

    Challenges

    But despite the optimism, people in the industry say that domestic tourism alone cannot take the sector back to the pre-pandemic-level of growth.

    In September, India’s tourism minister said that the government was working towards the all-round revival of the tourism sector.

    But foreign arrivals continue to be dismal – data shows they dipped by 44.5% in 2021 compared with the year before.

    A group of Indian tourists take their pictures on September 4, 2022 in Chandanwari 112 Km ( 69 miles) south Srinagar,
    IMAGE SOURCE,GETTY IMAGES Image caption, Experts say more and more people are willing to travel within India

    “India has not released a single campaign inviting the world to us. What we need is a stellar marketing strategy that excites travellers enough to choose us, especially the 60 million people that used to travel to China and aren’t today,” says Dipak Deva, managing director of the Travel Corporation of India, one of India’s best-known travel agencies.

    He adds that the government also needs to restore its e-visa facility – especially for countries such as the UK from where a large number of tourists visit India – as the current procedure is too cumbersome.

    However, Mr Kalra feels that both domestic and international travel are “here to grow together, and not against each other“.

    “With international travel now returning to the fore, we are confident that in a few quarters, international travel will also be able to recover completely.”

     

     

  • Artificial Intelligence important in Creative Arts Industry – GI-KACE

     

    Dr Collins Yeboah-Afari, Director-General, Ghana-India Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence in ICT (GI-KACE) has underscored the significance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the Creative Art Industry in boosting Ghana’s revenue generation.

    AI is the ability of a computer or a robot controlled by a computer to do tasks that are usually done by humans because they require human intelligence and discernment.

    Speaking at the GI-KACE’s AI knowledge series forum on music, entertainment, culture and the creative arts, Dr Yeboah-Afari stated that with the right application of AI in the Creative Arts Industry, several jobs would be created in that space which will also increase revenue and impact Ghana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

    “The adoption of AI technologies in the music, entertainment, culture and Creative Arts industry will promote professionalism and enhance the quality of output churned out by the various players in the industry,” he stated.
    “This will also help showcase our talents to the rest of the world while in turn increasing the tourism value of Ghana.”

    He noted that the session’s relevance was to help create awareness about the opportunities available in using AI in the music, entertainment, culture, and Creative Arts industry.

    He said the event forms part of GI-KACE’s mandate to grow the ICT ecosystem in the ECOWAS sub-region and contribute to youth development while the Centre tries to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)


    Mr Kobby ‘Spiky’ Nkrumah, Host of Joy Geek Squad, Multimedia Group, in his presentation on “How AI is Transforming the Music Industry Globally,” disclosed that AI was striking a chord in the music industry with many artists employing artificial intelligence in their music-making process.

    He added that some AIs had been developed so well that they could even analyse the style of musicians and create songs based on the data collected, which will sound exactly like the musicians themselves.

    “There are a few AI-powered music production platforms like JUKE Box and iZotope, that can create and master music once all the right elements like genre and lyrics are provided,” Mr Nkrumah said.

    “Some of these platforms can even continue the beat production for you if you want them to. Digital music streaming platforms like Apple Music, Spotify and the like are AI-powered that analyses what you listen to regularly and send music recommendations to keep you updated on new trending songs based on your taste in music,” he added.

    On her part, Madam Winifred Kotin, Co-founder of CDD Super Fluids Labs, said: “We can also use AI in Tourism through Virtual and Augmented realities powered by Virtual assistants which deliver immersive experiences.”

    “There are also a lot of opportunities in AI in Tourism through AI-Power Chatbots on Digital Kiosks. Digital Kiosk can have AI Chatbots installed and placed at vantage places like the airports.”

    Mr Eyram Tawia, Chief Executive of Leti Arts, noted that AI plays an essential role in the development of Video Games, especially for him, who is a Ghanaian game developer.

    The AI Knowledge Series was organised by GI-KACE in partnership with the Institute of ICT Professionals GH, AI Association Ghana, Runmila AI Institute and GIZ

    The event brought together several students, innovators, stakeholders, and industry practitioners. Some of the dignitaries who were present include; Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) President, Bessa Simons; renowned Ghanaian poet, Rhyme Sonny; host of Peace FM’s Entertainment Review show, Kwesi Aboagye; and Director of Communications and Special Projects at MUSIGA, Ahuma Bosco Ocansey, popularly known as ‘Daddy Bosco.’

    Source: GNA

     

  • We never authorized GTA to use Kirani Ayat’s video – Samsal Agency

    The agency at the center of Kirani Ayat and the Ghana Tourism Authority, GTA, feud, Samsal, has denied ever granting permission to the Authority to use the promotional video it produced with some part of the musician’s video.

    In a September 28, 2022 statement, the agency explained that it entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with GTA to promote Digital Wrist Band – a wrist band that granted access to highly sought after events slated for the Christmas season – to tourists and foreigners.

    Per the MoU, the agency said GTA was to give it the needed support in terms of finances and logistics in order to produce video content to market Ghana to the world in that regard.

    Consequently, Samsal said it put together a video reel (mood board) for the GTA that included parts of Ayat’s ‘GUDA’ video to demonstrate the vision it had for videos it intended to subsequently create for the campaign.

    It stated emphatically that it did grant GTA the permission to share the mood board whiles also categorically denying that the video put out by the Authority and president was not the very one it had created.

    “We put together a video reel (“mood board”) which we showed to the GTA as inspiration and creative direction for the videos we intended to produce during the campaign. The mood board was a mash up of scenes from different videos, including the video for Ayat’s “GUDA”, and other videos shot by David Nicol-Sey, a fellow creative who we have worked on several campaigns with (and who directed the campaign video for Discovery Bands).

    “For the avoidance of doubt, the video which the President and the GTA have put in circulation is not the mood board we created. It contains snippets from the mood board. However, we never authorized the GTA to publish the mood board or sense from it. The signed MoU was explicit that our delivery obligations related to new content which would be financed by the GTA,” part of the statement read.

    The Agency further revealed that following the failure of GTA to deliver on its financial obligation as agreed upon under the MoU, it used it own funds to create a video to promote Discovery Bands.

    It stated that even though it submitted it to GTA, the Authority is yet to publish its works which it said contained ‘lovely scenes from Ghana’.

    The agency maintained that it was therefore taken aback when it sighted the ‘repurposed’ publication of the earlier mood board it created on various platforms.

    “Unfortunately, the GTA did not finance the creation of any work as agreed. Using our own funds, we created our own video (see enclosed) to promote Discovery Bands and submitted same to GTA. The GTA has not posted the Discovery Bands video (which also depicts lovely scenes from Ghana and which we worked with David Nicol-Sey to shoot) nor has it fulfilled any of its content financing obligations under our MoU.

    “It, therefore, came as a surprise to us when we noticed that content from the mood board has been repurposed and put into circulation instead of the GTA fulling its obligations under the MoU by providing us with logistics and budgetary support for the creation of similar content to market Ghana,” the statement said.

    The revelation by Samsal contradicts the stance of the Ghana Tourism Authority which claimed earlier during the brewing copyright saga that it legitimately acquired permission from an agency [later named Samsal] for the use of the promotional video which featured portions of Ayat’s ‘GUDA’ video.

    It will be recalled that Kirani Ayat took to Twitter to express his displeasure at the use of his works without permission.

    He was reacting to a tourism promotion video that was posted on President Akufo-Addo’s Twitter handle.

    “The president of Ghana has used my video “GUDA” in this ad to promote Ghana. I was actively reaching out to the Ministry of Tourism in 2018/19 to use this video to push tourism in the North and got NO reply, yet today it’s in an ad and no one reached out to me for permission,” Kirani Ayat tweeted.

    Read Below The Statement from Samsal Agency

  • Memories of Ghana will forever stay with me – Outgoing French ambassador, Sophie Avé

    Ghana can generate more revenue through tourism, according to Avé, who was recently sworn in as the Nkosuohemaa (development queen) of Tain in the Bono Region under the throne name “Nana Benneh III”.

    “I will remember Ghana as a place where I spent the best four years of my life. A country with amazingly talented people.”

    Anne Sophie Avé, the outgoing French Ambassador to Ghana has said she spent the best four years of her life in the West African country.

    Avé, who was recently installed as the Nkosuohemaa (development queen) of Tain in the Bono Region under the stool name “Nana Benneh III” said Ghana is a lovely country.

    In an interview monitored by The Independent on Wednesday (24 August), Sophie Avé said Ghana can position itself to rake in more revenue from tourism.

    “I will remember Ghana as a place where I spent the best four years of my life. A country with amazingly talented people and while I am leaving, I still have property here.

    “There is not a single way to achieve development, but the more Ghanaians understand that tourism is a business that they can benefit from… the better it will place them for national development,” she said.

    The outgoing French ambassador wants Ghanaians to be proud of telling the Ghanaian story.

    “When you are proud of your country and your heritage then you will broadcast it,” she said. “You will want to push it there and it is important that Ghanaians have pride in their heritage inculcated in them.”

  • Ghana is a lovely country – French Ambassador to Ghana

    Anne Sophie Avé, the outgoing French Ambassador to Ghana has stated that she had a great stay in Ghana.

    Avé, also known as “Nana Benneh III,” recently took the throne as the Nkosuohemaa (development queen) of Tain in the Bono Region, stated that Ghana is a beautiful nation.

    Speaking on The Asaase Breakfast Show on Wednesday, 24 August, Sophie Avé said Ghana is in a position to generate more money from the tourism industry.

    “I will remember Ghana as a place that I spent the best four years of my life. A country with amazingly talented people and while I am leaving, I still have a property here.

    “There is not a single way to achieve development, but the more Ghanaians understand that tourism is a business that they can benefit from… the better it will place them for national development,” she said.

    The outgoing French ambassador wants Ghanaians to be proud of telling the Ghanaian story.

    “When you are proud of your country and your heritage then you will broadcast it,” she said. “You will want to push it there and it is important that Ghanaians have pride in their heritage inculcated in them.”

  • Russian tourists’ access to visas is restricted in Finland

    Finland has announced a limitation on tourist visas for Russians.The decision, according to the Finnish foreign minister, was made in response to an increase of Russian visitors utilizing Finland as a jumping-off point for trips to other European countries.

    As a result of growing unease over Russian tourism in the wake of the conflict in Ukraine, Finland will limit the number of visas granted to Russians to 10% of the existing amount beginning on September 1.

    “Tourist visas will not stop completely, but their number will be significantly reduced, ” Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto said on Tuesday in Helsinki, amid a rush of Russian visitors bound for Europe.

    Haavisto said the decision had come as an influx of Russian tourists began using Finland and its Helsinki-Vantaa airport as a gateway to European holiday destinations, after Russia lifted pandemic-related border restrictions a month ago.

    Tourist visas from neighboring Russia will be limited by restricting the allotted opening hours for tourism visa applications, as an outright ban based on nationality is not possible, Haavisto said.

    “This means that other types of visas visits relatives, family contacts, work, study will be given preference and more time,” the minister explained.

    Currently, Finland processes approximately 1,000 Russian visa applications a day, Haavisto told public broadcaster Yle separately.

    Finland will also look into establishing a specific humanitarian visa category, which the country lacks.

    “This could make the situation in certain circumstances much easier for journalists or NGO workers”, Haavisto said.

    Just days after Russia invaded Ukraine in February, Finland joined a string of Western countries in closing their airspace to Russian planes in response, making it difficult for Russians to travel to Europe.

    The foreign minister also announced that Finland and the Baltics would together propose that the European Union discontinue a visa facilitation agreement with Russia. This would increase the price of tourist visas from 35 euros to 80 (from $35 to $81).

    Currently, Finland processes approximately 1,000 Russian visa applications a day, Haavisto told public broadcaster Yle separately.

    Finland will also look into establishing a specific humanitarian visa category, which the country lacks.

    “This could make the situation in certain circumstances much easier for journalists or NGO workers”, Haavisto said.

    Just days after Russia invaded Ukraine in February, Finland joined a string of Western countries in closing their airspace to Russian planes in response, making it difficult for Russians to travel to Europe.

    The foreign minister also announced that Finland and the Baltics would together propose that the European Union discontinue a visa facilitation agreement with Russia. This would increase the price of tourist visas from 35 euros to 80 (from $35 to $81).

  • Update: Tourist in Ave Dakpe crocodile attack video sustained minor injury Akatsi North Assembly

    It has emerged that the victim of a crocodile attack at a tourist site in Ave Dakpe as recently reported by GhanaWeb only sustained minor injury.

    In an update, Daily Graphic has reported that the victim of the reptile attack was sent to the hospital on the same day of the incident, received treatment and was discharged.

    Daily Graphic correspondent in the Akatsi North District, Mary Anane-Amponsah reports that the District Assembly which is in charge of the management of the tourist center has already launched investigations into circumstances that led to the attack.

    The District Chief Executive for Akatsi North, Dr. Prince Amuzu has also clarified that the incident occurred before the Christmas and new year festive season.

    “We were alarmed when we saw the video and wondered when it happened.”

    “But after our investigations, we discovered that the incident happened before the [Christmas and New Year] festive period and the victim luckily did not sustain any serious injury,” he said.

    The Assembly according to the DCE was moved to commence the investigation due to the nature of the video from the attack and the public concern that has followed since. An official statement will be issued by the Assembly in the coming days.

    In the video from the incident sighted by GhanaWeb, a group of tourists are seen crowding around the crocodile to take pictures with some bending over the reptile who was lying calmly throughout.

    However, a woman who was part of the entourage in her bid to join the photo op incurred a swift bite from the crocodile by stroking its side.

    From the ensuing panic, the video stopped right at the time the crocodile launched its attack and reactions that have since followed the report were that the victim might have had an arm or hand bitten off or sustained serious injuries.

    “She was not even admitted. It was a minor injury and she is very fine,” the DCE revealed of the status of the victim.

    He added that investigations are still ongoing with contact being made with all those present during the incident.

    Mr Amuzu also assured that the centre since its inception has ensured the safety of its visitors and remain committed to same.

    “We have spent a lot to establish this project and therefore the safety of visitors and tourists were paramount to us and therefore would not jeopardise that,” he added.

    Watch video of the incident below:

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Government to roll out GH¢ 600 million stimulus package for tourism sector

    The Government intends to roll out a Stimulus package of GH¢ 600 million cedis to the tourism sector.

    The move forms part of measures to cushion operators in the hospitality industry due to the hazardous effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

    The Western Regional Minister, Mr Kwabena Okyere Darko- Mensah dropped the hint at the 2019 Western and Western-North Regional Tourism Awards in Takoradi.

    The annual awards scheme which aims at rewarding excellence in the hospitality industry to stimulate healthy competition in the tourism industry was on the theme, “Growing Tourism Beyond The Return”.

    Mr Darko-Mensah lauded the hardworking staff in the hospitality industry for the successful Year of Return programme.

    The Regional Minister said 200,000 more visitors from the diaspora were expected to visit tourist sites in the country as the COVID-19 scourge continues to go down.

    He said the government was putting long time sustainable measures to eradicate the pandemic.

    The Regional Minister who is also the Member of Parliament (MP) for Takoradi said the Region had been making giant strides to be the Number One tourism destination in Ghana but for the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Mr Darko-Mensah said the government continues to develop the tourism sector to showcase the Region globally.

    He said the Spanish government has set up a development platform for the Region, adding that the region abounds in tourist attractions such as Nzulezo(village on stilt) which is a multi-dollar facility and stressed the need for people to invest in the facility.

    He said the Western Regional Coordinating Council the Takoradi would be holding a carnival performance and invited the rest of Ghana and the world to witness the street carnival on December 25 and 26, this year.

    He said the Region observed the first-ever gold museum as part of the positive outcomes of tourism and appealed to the youth to venture into the tourism industry and set up their businesses.

    The Director-General in charge of Operations of the Ghana Tourism Authority(GTA), Mr Ekow Sampson said tourism was another vibrant sector and asked industrial players to strive hard to make the sector attractive.

    He said under the leadership of President Akufo-Addo, the 2019 Year of Return was successful.

    Mr Sampson said though the COVID-19 had impacted negatively on the tourism industry, stakeholders must find ways to sustain the industry by observing the safety and hygienic protocols to make the industry bounce back.

    He was worried that the industry was being confronted with illegal operators who flout the law and added that the GTA and other stakeholders have set up the Tourism Site Regulation 2020 to regulate tourist sites in the country.

    Mr Sampson announced that the GTA would set up a Hospitality Training Institute in the country which would be funded by the World Bank as part of initiatives to address quality tourism delivery in Ghana.

    The Western Regional Manager of the GTA, Mr George Nkrumah, whose speech was read for him, said there was a diasporan initiative in the 2019 Year of Return charter which has been eroded by the COVID-19 thereby eroding the gains in the Industry.

    The first Regional tourism personality of the year award went to Dr Stephen Saforo Yirenkyi, while the media of the year award was grabbed by Focus and Spice media.

    The best chef of the year award went to Mr Samuel Agyekum of the Kingstel hotel at Apollo with the site guide of the year going to Mr Emmanuel Amuah.

    The visitor attraction site of the year went to Ankasa Forest Reserve. The tour operator of the year went to Flylinks Travels at Anaji with Sadak car rentals grabbing the car rental service award.

    The traditional caterer of the year award was scooped by “God Is Love chop bar” while the Fast Food Establishment of the Year award went to Latara restaurant.

    Source: GNA

  • ‘Nothing to live on’ – trying to hold on as pandemic guts tourism

    With no American visitors to show around the D-Day beaches or the Loire Valley’s chateaux, and no work on the immediate horizon, Paris tour guide Linda Zenou frets about how she will pay off a loan and continue to care for her ailing mother in the achingly lean months ahead.

    “My situation is going to become completely inextricable,” she said. “We have nothing to live on.”

    For growing numbers of businesses and individuals who depend on the global tourism industry, the question is not so much when the coronavirus pandemic will end but how and if they will survive until business picks up. In trying to fend off the virus, countries that put up entry barriers to tourists have done so at a mounting cost to themselves and others.

    “It’s now survival of the fittest,” said Johann Krige, CEO of the Kanonkop wine estate in South Africa, where the drying up of wine-tasting tourists threatens dozens of wine farms around the historic town of Stellenbosch, near Cape Town.

    “A lot of them are going to go under because they just don’t have sufficient cash flow,” Krige said.

    Around the world, travel amid the pandemic is becoming a story of tentative steps forward in some places, but punishing steps back elsewhere, of “yes” to letting back visitors from places faring somewhat better against COVID-19 but not from others where outbreaks are flaring.

    The result is an ever-evolving global mishmash of restrictions and quarantines, all of which are providing zero long-term visibility for businesses trying to make payrolls and for everyone in the industry from trinket sellers to luxury hotels.

    In Australia, the government of Queensland, home to the Great Barrier Reef, barred visitors from Sydney starting Saturday because of a growing outbreak in the country’s largest city. Queensland tourism official Brett Kapernick predicted that could cost some businesses a 40 percent plunge in revenue.

    “With this pandemic, the situation becomes fluid and therefore evolves weekly,” Kapernick said. “A week ago, we didn’t think we’d be facing a border closed to Sydney.”

    While the Indonesian resort island of Bali tentatively opened up to domestic visitors on Friday, the beaches of Da Nang in Vietnam were deserted. The city locked down Tuesday to contain a cluster of nearly 100 cases.

    Shorn of tourism’s lifeblood, some businesses already look doomed. Many of the luxury hotels in Rome’s historic centre did not reopen in the late spring when Italy started allowing arrivals from elsewhere in the European Union and other select nations. Early in the pandemic, Italians who for years worked as dining room staff, cooks or maids at hotels instead sought farm work, picking fruits and vegetables.

    On Portugal’s Algarve coast, individual catastrophes also loom for the staffs of empty hotels, bars and restaurants which are losing hope that tourists will return quickly enough to keep them afloat. In a region almost entirely reliant on tourism, the unemployment rate has already jumped 230 percent.

    And in Oxford, England, tour operator Frederick Laurie is clinging to British “staycationers”, optimistically describing them as “green shoots” in an otherwise bleak year. He concedes that their numbers will never make up for the ruinous plunge in foreign visitors who once thronged the university town before the coronavirus chased them away.

    “It’s an extremely difficult time for us,” he says. His decade-old company, Footprints Tours, has seen revenues collapse by 70 percent.

    Losses globally are counted in the billions. Percentage drops in visitor numbers are often double-digits. Tourism income in South Africa was down 98 percent in May compared with the same month last year, the Tourism Business Council says, and more than half a million jobs in its sector are at risk.

    Governments in countries heavily reliant on tourism are trying to use bailouts to keep businesses afloat. Thailand’s cabinet this week approved projects worth more than $700m for the tourism industry. Bulgaria is offering tax breaks and job subsidies to shore up its tourism sector bracing for huge cuts in its workforce of 290,000. Hotel owners lament that they have more employees than patrons at Bulgaria’s biggest sea resort, Sunny Beach.

    The bright spots are few and far between. Among them: Locals who are unable or reluctant to travel are rediscovering attractions where foreign tourists used to jostle for elbow space.

    Animals have South Africa’s world-famous wildlife parks largely to themselves because of lockdown rules that barred international tourists and made it illegal for South Africans to travel between provinces for vacations. At the Kruger National Park, lions sleep undisturbed in the roads and roam around empty lodges.

    At the Louvre Museum in Paris, it is now possible to calmly contemplate the works. That is a rare treat for Parisians but a nightmare for tour guides, who gathered in protest again this week, dressed in black and wearing masks, to demand more financial help. Among them was Janice Baneux, who was decidedly pessimistic for their future.

    “Some people had to sell their homes, returning to their parents and waiting until next year when tourism will probably be back again,” she said. “But this year there is no hope.”

    Source: alja

  • Tourism revival requires stern enforcement of safety protocols

    To revive the ailing tourism industry from the doldrums of coronavirus, amidst the new normal business climate, it is imperative for industry players to brace themselves for stern enforcement of precautionary health measures and safety protocols, Mr. Joseph Appiagyei, Acting Manager of Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), in charge of Bono, Bono East and Ahafo Regions, has stated.

    He said once an end to COVID-19 impact on the tourism industry is not in sight now, any tourism recovery strategy must incorporate strict supervision and adherence to COVID-19 safety protocols to protect tourists and guests, indicating that this would be the surest way to revive the troubled industry by boosting public confidence that hospitality facilities and attraction sites are not infectious grounds for the deadly virus.

    Globally, the tourism industry has weathered tumultuous times since the outbreak of the pandemic. Resultant precautionary measures such as border closures, restrictions on public gatherings and conferencing among others have crippled the industry. According to the Tourism Worldwide Statistics and Facts, projected travel and tourism revenue from 2019 to 2010 declined by a whopping US$264.53 billion. As at 2018, global hotel industry was valued at US$600.49 billion.

    The situation at some hospitality facilities in the Bono Region epitomizes the devastating impact of COVID-19 in the country. Eusbett Hotel, a 3-Star facility in Sunyani with 150 rooms and ten (10) conference centres has had its occupancy reduced from 88 percent to two percent. Management of the Hotel responded to the situation by cutting down staff strength from 150 to 60. Tyco City Hotel, a 2-Star facility on the other hand has suffered a sharp occupancy drop to between 5-2 percent, accounting for 50 percent workers laidoff.

    To support hospitality facilities and tourist attraction sites in the country to adjust to the new normal business environment, Mr. Appiagayei in an interview with the B&FT said the GTA had distributed sanitary items such as veronica buckets and liquid soap, adding “the Authority is also making provision to assist those who did not benefit from the initial supply.”

    On his part, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Tyco City Hotel, Nana Kwame Aning, stated that hoteliers are prepared to adjust to the new normal to help the revival of the tourism industry. “Sanitary items like veronica buckets, and sanitizers will be stationed at vantage points, nose masks will be provided at guest rooms, temperatures of guests will be checked at entry points and receptions. Emergency contacts will be displayed at various places of our facilities for swift response. We are also prepared to enforce wearing of face mask around our facilities,” he said.

    The Regional GTA Boss therefore urged managers of hospitality facilities to institute crisis management plan based on COVID-19 model outlined by the World Health Organization (WHO) and Ghana Health Service to ensure that they can put their head above water in the current difficult times.

    To make also make attraction sites safe for patrons again, he shared the view that effective implementation of the new Tourism Legislative Instrument (L.I) would be the magic wand to turnaround the dwindled fortunes of various sites across the country. The Tourism Act, 2011 (Act 817) seeks to among others encourage standardization by promoting good sanitation, safety and security for both visitors and workers at the sites.

    “With the new L.I, the GTA will only issue license to operators of attraction sites based of their compliance to requirements such as adherence to safety protocols. This and other factors will inform classification of attraction sites. We have started with public awareness campaign and sensitization to educate operators on the modalities of implementation as well as requirements including safety protocols,” he said.

    Source: B&FT Online.com

  • Fear and impatience as Santorini awaits return of mass tourism

    Spectacular sunsets over its ancient volcanic crater make the Greek island of Santorini a magnet for tourists. With the first post-lockdown groups of overseas visitors due to return on Monday, the island is torn between impatience to get back to business and fear of an upsurge in coronavirus cases.

    In the quiet alleys of Fira, the island’s capital, time is passing by to the rhythm of church bells – a reminder of the vanishing hours that separate the town from a flood of tourists.

    “We’re desperate about tourists, we need them and we want them. If we don’t have the people, how will we survive,” says Michalis Drosos, who works in a souvenir shop in Fira.

    The tourist season officially reopens on Monday in Greece after three months of restrictions that have halted large-scale tourism, a sector that makes up a quarter of Greece’s economic output.

    Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis chose Santorini to inaugurate the season with great pomp on Saturday, inviting tourists to marvel at the “stunning sunset” that has made the island famous.

    “We are incredibly lucky to be here without any other tourists,” says Cedric Delourme, a Frenchman who came with his family, one of the few tourists walking around the island.

    The Gallini Hotel is expecting a group of Americans on Monday, but manager George Roussos says he is “never sure” because “something can happen at the last minute”.

    The Americans arrive via Athens after a stopover in Germany.

    Santorini airport will not reopen to international flights until July 1, like all regional airports in Greece. But travellers from around 30 countries will once again be welcomed at the airports of Thessaloniki and Athens and will be able to travel on to the islands.

    “We are restarting the country’s most important production engine and we are putting an end to the anguish of 700,000 workers in the tourism sector,” Tourism Minister Harry Theoharis said in Santorini.

    However, some of those 700,000 are still concerned about the coronavirus pandemic – which has so far largely spared Greece with only 183 deaths.

    ‘On edge’

    “Everyone’s scared, maybe we’ll catch the coronavirus,” says Orestis Papoulias, manager of a beach bar on the black sand beach of Perissa.

    “As soon as the tourists arrive, we’ll get new cases,” says Canadian Stephane Saat, who has spent 12 years as a tourist guide in Santorini.

    “If they tell us that there are too many cases, we’ll have to close down again, but what do we do? We don’t have any money left and we’re on edge.”

    For similar reasons, the manager of the Mylos Hotel Panos Kontoulis is hesitant about reopening: “Things change all the time, every day, we have to keep all the guests and all employees safe.”

    The procedures for protection against the coronavirus put a heavy burden on hotels, says George Roussos. Each hotel must have a doctor per hotel, a room for possible quarantines and a local hospital capable of carrying out tests.

    But he is philosophical about the measures: “You have no choice, it’s a matter of health.”

    Restaurateur Evangelos Gidaropoulos is among those who believe Greece’s record of handling the virus – with far fewer cases than other nations in southern Europe – will stand it in good stead.

    “I believe generally that people around the world will recognise that and prefer to come to Greece,” he says.

    Bearing out his theory, Chinese tourist Max Han reflects that the government has “very good control” over the virus as he wanders the famous blue domes and spectacular cliffs of Oia.

    “I feel very, very safe here,” he says. “That is why I chose to travel to Santorini and next week I am going to Crete. No problem for me to worry about the virus.”

    Disclaimer : “Opinions expressed in this article are the sole responsibility of the author(s) and do not in any way reflect those of backend.theindependentghana.com. Our outfit will hereby not be liable for any inaccuracies contained in this article.”

    Source: france24.com

  • Tourism Federation appeals to government for incentive package

    The Ghana Tourism Federation (GHATOF) has appealed to Government to grant members incentives to compensate for the negative impact of the Coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) on the industry.

    The Federation is seeking for subsidy in water and electricity tariffs, suspension of taxes such as VAT, Tourism Levy, National Health Insurance Levy, Property rate and Business Operating Permit.

    A statement signed by Mrs Bella A Ahu, President of the Federation and copied the Ghana News Agency, expressed concern on the drastic effect of COVID-19, which is crippling various institutions across the globe more especially, the tourism and hospitality industry.

    It said GHATOF in the past two weeks engaged its trade associations across the country in all the 16 administrative regions of Ghana, adding that the impact of the disease on businesses of the trade associations’ members was huge and scary.

    “The Federation is therefore appealing to the Government of Ghana and its implementing agency Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) for support,” it said.

    It also appealed to government to help with the supply of essential commodities such as washing detergents, sanitizers, dispensers, nose masks, hand gloves, thermometer guns, Veronica buckets, hand washing soaps, tissue towels and cleaning materials at highly subsidized prices.

    The Federation called on government for more stakeholder engagements during and after the crisis and urged its members to stay calm and to adhere to the directives of the World Health Organisation and Ghana Health Service.

    Source: GNA

  • Ministry to engage government on stimulus support for tourism industry

    Mrs Barbara Oteng Gyasi, the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture said the ministry would engage government on a stimulus support system to cushion the tourism industry in the wake of the COVID-19.

    She said government recognised the immense contribution of the industry to the economy and would put in place measures to ensure that the sector does not suffer as a result of the pandemic.

    The Minister announced this on Wednesday at a stakeholders meeting in Accra to brainstorm how best to seek support from government due to the effects of the disease on the sector.

    The meeting brought together representatives from the Ghana Tourism Federation which represent 23 institutions to chart the path forward in addressing challenges faced by the industry.

    The stakeholders has developed a proposal to the Ministry on the effects of the disease on their operations and the Ministry promised to engage the leadership of the Federation to President Akufo-Addo for assistance.

    This, the Minister explained was necessary because the sector employs a huge number of people across the value chain sector for socio-economic development.

    She was optimistic that the engagement with the President would yield positive results and explore ways of discussing with the financial institutions to extend the payment of moratorium with the industry players.

    Mrs Gyasi commended the hotel industry for availing their facility to government to be used as a quarantine centre, stressing that their efforts had demonstrated love and service to humanity in this difficult situation.

    She urged members to register with the Federation for a united front, priority would be given to groups affiliated or aligned with the Federation.

    Mrs Bella A. Ahu, President of the Federation appealed to Government to grant its members incentives to compensate negative impact of the pandemic on the industry, as confirmed cases in the country rise to 68.

    “The Federation is seeking for subsidy in water and electricity tariffs, suspension of taxes such as VAT, Tourism Levy, National Health Insurance Levy, Property rate and Business Operating Permit”, she said.

    The Federation called for more stakeholder engagements during and after the crisis and urged its members to stay calm and adhere to the directives of the World Health Organisation and the Ghana Health Service.

    Some of the members suggested the introduction of an emergency levy to help the industry in times of global crisis.

    A representative from the Airline industry said there has been adjustment due to the pandemic, stating that individuals who have bought ticket on their names could be allow to change the names.

    Also the Airline system is flexible that the tickets could be used as voucher for a longer period of time without expiry dates.

    Source: GNA

  • Tourism Authority warns La Pleasure Beach to produce operating documents in 15 days or risk closure

    The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has given operators of the La Pleasure Beach in Accra a 15-day ultimatum to produce proof that they were operating with the required documents or else the facility would be closed down.

    The documents in demand include an evacuation plan, a Fire Service Certificate, Environmental Protection Agency permit and police clearance certificate.

    Ghana Tourism Authority embarks on review of beaches

    The Chief Executive Officer of the GTA, Mr Akwasi Agyemang, gave the deadline when he and some directors and officers of the authority visited the La beach facility and others along the Accra-Tema beach front last Friday, September 6, as part of their inspection tour of some beaches to ensure they were up to standard.

    The GTA intends to weed out illegal operators who do not meet the minimum standards set by the law.

    According to Mr Agyemang, the La Pleasure Beach had become one of the biggest tourist sites in Accra but the safety of visitors could not be guaranteed due to the absence of an evacuation plan and other permits which allowed it to operate as a public facility.

    “We came here about a year ago and we put together a plan of action that we thought could work in the mutual interest of all parties. We have seen that there has been some relapse on the part of management,” Mr Agyemang said.

    “We are giving them a 15-day ultimatum to provide certain answers, the most important among them being the fire certificate and the evacuation plan. These are the minimum requirements for opening up a public facility. This is one of the biggest beaches in Accra and we need to ensure that there is enough safety for visitors as well as the workers,” he added.

    Year of Return perfect foundation for future investments Tourism Minister

    Ensuring right standards

    He allayed fears that such harsh actions could cripple the progress of the facility, adding that “we are mindful of the high patronage of this facility and the revenue it accrues for the country so our intentions are not to collapse it but only that the right thing is done.”

    Mr Agyemang also indicated that his outfit was ready to engage with the management of the facility to ensure that the right standards were upheld.

    Improved sanitation

    He also expressed delight at the improvement in sanitation at the beach, indicating that there had been progress as compared to the last time they visited the facility.

    He commended the management for such an effort and urged them to continue and clear all the filth from the beach.

    Other places visited

    The team also visited the Titanic Beach at Sakumono and Mr Agyemang stated that the GTA would collaborate with the assembly to ensure that the place did not become a slum beach.

    He added that “much attention needs to be paid and we need to lay out a proper master plan else people might erect illegal structures and cause haphazard development.”

    Source: Graphic.com.gh