Ghana Tourism Authority to create Web Portal to Market Nation's Tourism Destinations

The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has initiated moves to create a web portal to effectively market the nation's tourism destinations to the outside world.

Mr. Akwasi Agyemang, the Chief Executive Officer, said the goal was to substantially increase foreign tourist arrivals to those sites.

He said this in an address read for him at the 12th Ashanti Regional Tourism Awards ceremony held in Kumasi to recognize individuals and organizations for outstanding contribution to the growth of the industry in the region.

They received citations and certificates of honour.

Ghana has some of the worlds' unique tourist attraction sites - designated as World Heritage sites by the United Nations Education Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

Among these are the Bosomtwe Lake - regarded as the largest natural lake in the world, the Kakum and Mole National Parks.

Mr. Agyemang said the nation had projected to increase annual international tourist arrivals to 1.9 million by year 2026.

This is expected to generate revenue in excess of GH¢4.7 million.

He spoke of the determination of the GTA to go the extra mile to enrich visitor experience to tourist sites and said they had been encouraging the construction of 'Highway Rest Stops' along the major road corridors.

They also had plans to automate registration and licensing procedures to ease the processes for procuring license to operate hospitality businesses, he added.

The CEO said the GTA was leading a renewed domestic tourism drive under the 'See Ghana, Eat Ghana, Wear Ghana and Feel Ghana' initiative.

Mr. Peter Achampong, The Regional Manager of the Authority, applauded the award-winners for distinguished performance.

He underlined their resolve to make sure that facility operators did the right things - upheld the rules and regulations governing the industry for sustainable growth.

Source: GNA