The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), has shared with players and stakeholders in the Nigerian tourism sector on Ghana’s strides in pursuing a progressive tourism agenda in the sub-region.
Speaking on the topic, ‘domestic tourism; the Ghana experience’ as a panelist at the 2018 Tourism and Hospitality Forum in Nigeria, CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Mr Akwasi Agyeman said though Ghana and Nigeria have enough to learn from each other in the sector, Ghana has adopted a more practical method in marketing its tourism products to the world.
The forum, organized by the Institute of Directors in Lagos, seeks to promote domestic tourism in Nigeria and the sub region and ways to make the sector more attractive to patrons.
Sharing Ghana’s experience, Mr. Agyeman explained that the country’s tourism sector was still a work in progress, and needed a strong bond with Nigeria, Togo, Benin and other West African destinations to market its multi-destination offerings.
“In Ghana, we have adopted ‘See Ghana’, ‘Eat Ghana’, ‘Wear Ghana’ and ‘Feel Ghana’ as the key strategic anchors for the GTA, backed by aggressive marketing, a robust investment drive, automation of the industry including major stakeholder partnerships,” he said.
He mentioned that the country’s recent hosting of the West African Integrated Travel Forum, in March this year, was an indication of the leading role it is playing to connect policy makers in the sector.
“While we continue to do our best to add to the gains of the industry, we appeal to Nigerian authorities to help open up the boarders for tourists to enable them have the urge to visit repeatedly” Mr. Agyeman said.
Mr. Agyeman was honoured for his contribution to the growth of tourism and for participating in the forum.
Senator Ben Murray-Bruce, Founder of the Silver Bird Group and the Keynote Speaker, asked Nigeria to pick lessons from Ghana and enhance its security to attract more tourists.
He said the travel and tourism sector, thrives on peace, and security in countries that are able to guarantee safety for travelers.
Some notable topics discussed, include, boosting domestic tourism in Nigeria, challenges in the hospitality service sector and dealing with security issues in Nigeria.
By Wisdom Jonny-Nuekpe
