Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, has emphasised the importance of exceptional guest experiences in advancing Ghana’s tourism and hospitality industry.
Speaking at the 50th Anniversary Symposium of the Ghana Hotels Association (GHA), she said the hospitality sector remained the backbone of Ghana’s tourism ecosystem, offering not just accommodation but memorable experiences that shape visitors’ impressions.
The symposium was on the theme: “50 Years of advocacy, perseverance, and impacting Ghana’s tourism and hospitality industry.”
Madam Gomashie commended the Association for its five decades of service, describing its journey as a testament to “vision, resilience, partnership, and values.”
She praised the GHA for acting as a vital bridge between government, regulators, and operators, contributing to policy formulation, service improvement, and sector sustainability amid global and economic challenges.
She also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to partnering with the private sector to build a resilient and competitive tourism industry.
Outlining key initiatives, Madam Gomashie mentioned the ongoing review of the National Tourism Policy, hospitality training and certification programmes, investment incentive reviews through the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), and destination infrastructure improvement projects.
She urged hoteliers to embrace innovation, sustainability, and digital transformation, highlighting eco-friendly practices, renewable energy use, and inclusive growth that empowers women, youth, and local communities.
The Minister paid tribute to the founding members and past executives of the GHA for their foresight and commended the current leadership for keeping the Association vibrant and relevant.
She called for deeper collaboration between the Ministry and the GHA to position Ghana as a beacon of African hospitality through the “Black Star Experience” initiative.
Dr Edward Ackah-Nyamike Jnr, GHA President, appealed for government support to establish a dedicated tourism and hospitality training school to build sector capacity.
He also called for compulsory membership of all hotels in the Association, transparency in the management of the Ghana Tourism Fund, and regular public-private sector engagements to address industry challenges.
Mrs. Juliette Taylor, Anniversary Committee Chairperson, highlighted the Association’s legacy of perseverance and corporate social responsibility, noting that the celebration began with a media launch, health walk, and donation to the Tema General Hospital.
Nana Obiri Eduama, representing the Omanhene of the Oguaa Traditional Area, urged hoteliers to seek professional guidance and invest in staff capacity-building to enhance service quality and improve industry prospects.
The event brought together stakeholders, traditional authorities, government officials, and hospitality practitioners to celebrate five decades of advocacy, partnership, and excellence in Ghana’s hospitality sector.
Source: GNA
The post Minister of Tourism highlights guest experience as key to industry growth appeared first on Ghana Business News.
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