Tourism
Leveraging the Transformative Economic Role of Tourism: Taking Ghana to the next level as a key visitor destination in Africa
With more than one billion international tourists now traveling the world each year, tourism has become a powerful and transformative force that is making a genuine difference in the lives of millions of people. The potential of tourism for sustainable development is considerable
TOURISM DEVELOPMENT PLANS
Ghana first produced a 15 year Tourism Development Plan (1975-1990) with financial support and technical assistance from the Danish government. Subsequently, in 1993 with financial assistance from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and technical assistance from the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) another 15 year Tourism Development Plan for the period 1996-2010 was produced. Currently, a successor 15 year National Tourism Development Plan 2013-2027 developed
with financial and technical assistance from the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is in operation.
RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE 2013-2027 PLAN
– The Devil is in the detail
The 2013-2027 Plan recommends a number of actions and improvements as well as some restructuring to ensure that the institutional framework for tourism is better co-ordinated and effective.
The 2013-2027 Plan must be legally adopted and sent to Cabinet and Parliament for approval. A Master Plan Permanent Coordination Task Force was to be set
up to ensure that the plan is implemented. This will be an independent unit reporting to the Minister and to the Chairman of the GTA Tourism Board who will also represent the private sector. ………………………
GHANA’S UNIQUE SELLING POINTS
- All Year Round Festival
Destination - Plenty Sunshine
- Beaches
- UNESCO world heritage Sites
- Ghanaians are Renowned
for Their Friendliness and
Hospitality - Good Image and Perception
In The Public Eye - Good Governance
Credentials - Rich Cultural Heritage
We need Creative, Innovative and Transformational Solutions and these do not require allocation of funds nor authorization, BUT determination, commitment and ownership.
OUR RECOMMENDATION
First and foremost, we ask for the implementation of the the various far-reaching recommendations made in the various tourism development plans,which have not yet seen the light of day. It is a no brainer, if we want to take Ghana to the next level as a key tourism destination in Africa. Finally, It is the considered opinion of the Ghanalinks Directory that, in the same way Ghana is packaged and promoted as an attractive investment destination,through the vehicle of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) under the aegis of the Office of the President, tourism must also be prioritized, positioned and promoted through a similar special purpose vehicle or quango to reap the desired results.
It is time for a deeper appreciation of the transformative economic role tourism can play to alleviate poverty, create employment and surpass the traditional export of primary products as a foreign exchange earner. Tourism is a cash cow that needs to be flogged!
Our Ghana
