The event organised by the Ghana Tourism Authority, on the theme: “Advancing the gains of Tourism through quality service delivery,” gave out 28 competitive and honorary awards to individuals and organisations who have made immense contributions to the growth of the tourism industry.

The event held at the Banquet Hall, State House in Accra was graced by industry players, government officials, traditional rulers and heads of diplomatic missions to celebrate outstanding performance and service excellence.

Mrs Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, said the awards aimed to instil an industry-wide service culture that squarely matched prevailing global standards and made the sector truly competitive.

She said Tourism industry was the fastest growing industry worldwide and it required diligence, professionalism, innovation and creativity to remain above the competition and to satisfy the growing and diverse tastes of clientele that continued to be more and more discerning and sophisticated.

Mrs Ofosu-Adjare said the Ministry had received Cabinet approval and was leading the transformation of the Accra coastline into a major modern tourism enclave under the Marine Drive Tourism Development Scheme.

This she said would raise Accra’s reputation as a major conference and convention city with supporting recreational activities, like water sports in the marinas, shopping, and a craft emporium to significantly boost tourism revenues.

The Sector Minister said the Ministry in partnership with the United Nations World Tourism Organisation had drawn a comprehensive 15-year plan to guide the development of the sector and also made a number of interventions, over the last few years, all designed to accelerate the development of the sector.

 “The developments at the Kotoka, Tamale and Kumasi and Wa Airports, the planned Ho airport, the harbour expansion projects in Takoradi and Tema with dedicated cruise ship berths.

“The Western railway line, the upgrading of the Fufulso- Damongo road, the Eastern Corridor road; among others, under the leadership of…John Dramani Mahama are all expected to improve the quality of Ghana’s infrastructure and thus enhance the tourist experience in Ghana.”, she said.

She urged municipal, metropolitan and district assemblies to own and drive the development of tourism in their jurisdictions. The Honorary awards included: Mr John Bentsifi Dadson, Tourism Journalist of the Year award, Buabeng Fiema Monkey Sanctuary, Yilo-Krobo Municipal Assembly, Zina lodge (Mole National Park), Papaye Fast Food, Ho Municipal Assembly and Fetu Afahye Festival.

The Competitive award winners are: Guest House of the Year- Harding’s Lodge, Budget Hotel of the Year- Green Light Hotel, Hostel of the Year- Bann villas Hostel, Tour Operator of the Year- Sunseekers Tours and Traditional Catering Establishment of the Year- Bush Canteen.

The rest are Site Guide of the Year-  Salifu Awewozen, Tour Guide of the Year- Mr Aziz Pelpuo, Bedding Accessories- Latex Foam, Communication Accessories- Telefonika and Visitor Attraction of the Year- Manhyia Palace.

Others are: Restaurant of the Year (Indigenous) -Azmera Restaurant, Drinking Bar of the Year- Treasures Pub, Car Rental Establishment of the Year- EuroStar Limousine, Constant payment of Tourism Levy (Restaurant Category)–Papaye Fast Food, Fast Food Establishment of the Year- KFC Fast Food Chain, Original Alcoholic Beverage of the Year- Alomo Bitters, Travel Agency of the Year- Satguru and Constant Payment of Tourism Levy- Movenpick Hotel.