Players in the culinary industry, have been urged to attach the needed importance to their trade since they form an integral part of the tourism sector of the economy.
"Local foods and beverages provide travelers or guests with better understanding of local culture, which makes culinary tourism an important industry in the nation's economy," Mrs Juliana Azumah-Mensah, Minister of Tourism said on Saturday.
Addressing graduands of Stemapet Cakes and Floral Institute during their second graduation ceremony in Accra, she urged caterers to come out with their best since a tourist's decision to visit a country again, sometimes depended very much on the type of food and beverages he or she might be treated with.
Mrs Azumah-Mensah urged caterers to be health conscious and always come out with new recipes since the modern Ghanaian and tourist had become health conscious and would always appreciate nutritious food.
The minister praised those in the catering sector for creating jobs for themselves and others and pledged government's support to the industry.
Mrs Juliet Kersi, Proprietress of the Institute called on government to give the industry all the needed attention since it could generate a lot of foreign exchange for the country.
She said the Institute, which was established in 2008 with only four students, now had a student population of 16.
Seven students graduated with Diplomas in Sugar Craft and Floral Decoration after eight months of intensive training.