The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture has successfully organized a two-day validation workshop on a draft Tourism Policy. The workshop aimed at finalizing the policy, which seeks to revitalize Ghana’s tourism sector and promote sustainable and inclusive growth.
The draft Tourism Policy, once approved by the Cabinet, is expected to serve as a blueprint to guide all tourism activities in Ghana. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Hon. Mark Okraku-Mantey, Deputy Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, emphasized the increasing competition in the global tourism industry. He highlighted the need for strategic documentation, innovative thinking, and a unique value proposition to make Ghana stand out.
“More countries are closing the gap on tourism. As a result, the competition on tourism promotion and marketing would be tougher. Hence, there is a need for Ghana to be strategic in our documentation, thinking, and innovation as we prepare the policy.”
Hon. Mark Okraku-Mantey, Deputy Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture
Hon. Okraku-Mantey further added, “The tourism policy would be the roadmap which would lead us to our promised land. Therefore, we need to focus on our selling proposition as a country.”
The Deputy Minister underscored the potential impact of the tourism policy on Ghana’s economy, noting that tourism is the third-largest contributor to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). He stressed the importance of marketing not only Ghana’s natural resources but also its man-made attractions to strengthen its competitive edge.
Citing Qatar’s successful use of the World Cup to boost its tourism, he expressed confidence that the validation workshop would yield a comprehensive and effective document.
Hon. Okraku-Mantey commended the Ministry’s management and staff for their hard work despite challenges and expressed optimism about the contributions of stakeholders at the workshop.
Madam Abena Amponsah-Bio, Cluster Coordinator at GIZ Ghana, also spoke at the event, recognizing the validation workshop as a significant milestone for the tourism sector.
“GIZ Ghana has been implementing programmes and projects that have 360-degree approaches towards effective migration management.
“Our support for the validation of the Tourism Policy is towards the realization of a tourism policy at the national level, which the German cooperation is delighted to be part of.”
Madam Abena Amponsah-Bio, Cluster Coordinator at GIZ Ghana
Madam Amponsah-Bio emphasized the strategic importance of the validation workshop and the interconnected interests between GIZ and the Government of Ghana.
Mr. John Yao Agbeko, Chief Director of the Ministry, welcomed participants to the workshop, thanked them for their presence, and urged them to contribute their expertise to the validation process.
The Tourism Policy, as outlined, provides a strategic framework to enhance the tourism experience, preserve cultural heritage, and ensure environmental sustainability.
Participants at the workshop included representatives from various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), Tourism Trade Associations, Directors of the Ministry, and Civil Society organizations within the tourism value chain.
The collaborative effort aimed to produce a comprehensive policy document that would provide the sector with the necessary impetus for growth.
The workshop featured interactive sessions, discussions, and presentations focused on different aspects of the draft policy. The goal was to incorporate diverse perspectives and expertise to ensure the policy addresses the current challenges and opportunities within the tourism sector.
In his closing remarks, Hon. Okraku-Mantey reiterated the importance of the policy in driving the sector forward.
“This policy is the game-changer that will sustain the industry, which is a crucial part of our economy. We must be deliberate about our marketing strategies to make Ghana a stronger force in the global tourism market.”
Hon. Mark Okraku-Mantey, Deputy Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture
The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, through this validation workshop, demonstrated its commitment to enhancing Ghana’s tourism sector. By finalizing and implementing a robust Tourism Policy, the Ministry aims to create a sustainable and thriving tourism industry that contributes significantly to the nation’s economic growth and cultural preservation.
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