The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), has disclosed that it is working assiduously to position Ghana as the preferred destination for international events.
According to GTA, it intends to achieve this objective through ‘Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions’ (MICE)to showcase the country’s tourism product mix.
The Chief Executive Officer of GTA, Mr. Akwasi Agyeman, made this revelation in an interview ahead of the 2022 ‘Meetings Africa Conference and Exhibition’ slated for the Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg in South Africa.
It would be on the theme: ‘Shared Minds Shared Economies’, and would seek to demonstrate how African tourism entrepreneurs continue to make strides in reaching economies of scale by leveraging shared resources.
According to Mr. Akwasi Agyeman, GTA is committed to marketing the country internationally at the ‘Meetings Africa Conference and Exhibition’ by highlighting Ghana’s unique location as the centre of the world for business, leisure, culture, heritage, nightlife, and entertainment as well as conventions.
“For us, it is about the opportunities it presents for us to close deals and show the rest of the continent that Ghana is an emerging force on the MICE tourism scene in Africa. Ghana must be your next conference destination”.
Mr. Akwasi Agyeman
The Director of MICE, GTA, Mrs. Betty Kobi, who is leading the delegation to the event, noted that utilizing this strategic business platform would enable the country to restore the bridges between exhibitors and buyers in order to compete on a global scale.
Mrs. Betty Kobi posited that it is prudent to ensure that networking and collaboration led to increased patronage by the African compatriots across the continent. She further mentioned that the event would also offer the country the opportunity to exchange ideas and knowledge with others as part of the MICE Masterclass.
Mrs. Betty Kobi expressed optimism that Ghana’s competitive advantage over all others would surely place the country as the preferred MICE destination in the West Africa sub-region and Africa as a whole.
‘Meetings Africa Conference and Exhibition’ showcase Africa’s diverse offering of services and products where African associations and African meeting industry professionals can partner to help transform the continent.
Over a dozen African convention bureaus already confirmed their participation. The countries include Rwanda, Botswana, Kenya, Ghana, Malawi, Ethiopia, Mauritius, Zimbabwe, Eswatini, Zambia, and Mozambique.
GTA Promotes Ghana Through Tourism
That notwithstanding, GTA, as part of its plans to promote Ghana and celebrate heritage month, in collaboration with the Tour Operators Union of Ghana (TOUGHA), is organizing the 2022 Independence Domestic Tourism Drive (IDTD).
The event, under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, is to mark the 65th Independence Day celebrations, which is on the theme: ‘Working Together; Bouncing Back Better’, from March 1 to March 6, 2022, at Cape Coast.
Mr. Kofi Atta Kakra Kusi, Deputy Head of Corporate Affairs, GTA, noted that Heritage Month is celebrated in March “to learn, appreciate, celebrate, and tell the story of Ghana, celebrate Ghana’s culture, heritage and promote domestic tourism”. He disclosed that preparations were far advanced for the IDTD, and assured patrons of a lifetime experience while exploring the rich culture and heritage of the whole of Central Region.
Read also: The Processes The Minority Are Trying To Trigger Is In Order- Dr Asah-Asante
