Specifically, they should use digital solutions for enhanced customer experiences, sustainable practices and creative culinary offerings to shape the future of tourism. 

The Greater Accra Regional Minister, Daniel Nii Kwartei Titus-Glover, gave the advice at the Greater Accra Regional Tourism Awards organised by the Ghana Tourism Awards in Accra last Saturday.

“Our beautiful country stands on the brink of even greater global recognition as a premier destination for leisure, culture and adventure. 

“By continuing to innovate and striving for excellence, we position ourselves to compete on the world stage, attract more international visitors and create lasting economic benefits for our people.” 

He, however, urged them to remain true to the essence of Accra's unique hospitality in the wake of the technological revolution in the sector.

The regional minister urged the awardees to continue working together to drive the sector forward, adding, “Ghana's tourism industry is robust because of you, and with your continued efforts it will only grow stronger”. 

Awards 

Twenty-seven individuals and organisations in the Greater Accra Region have been rewarded for demonstrating excellence in the tourism sector.

The winners were presented with plaques and citations at the ceremony, which was held on the theme: “Celebrating innovation and recognising excellence in Ghana's tourism sector”.

The Labadi Beach Hotel won the Five-star Hotel of the Year.

Support 

With September declared as Tourism month, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Ekow Sampson, called on the public to patronise local tourist sites and attractions. 

“Let us work together to promote tourism development and create opportunities for economic growth and job creation in order to propel the country's hospitality, tourism, entertainment industry, business and trade investment opportunities domestically and internationally,” he said.

For the operators in the industry, the deputy CEO reminded them that tourism was one of the fastest growing sectors of the Ghanaian economy with linkages to various sectors, providing employment to several young people and creating an avenue for national development. 

Consequently, he said, it was imperative for sector players to do things right to attract the needed tourists to Ghana. 

That, he said, would help rake in substantial foreign exchange and also derive the full benefits of the domestic, regional and international marketing campaigns initiated by the authority. 

Again, he urged operators within the tourism and hospitality industry to enhance the provision of quality service since it created a lot of goodwill for individuals and companies alike, thereby increasing patronage to the facility.

“There is the need for stakeholders and operators in the tourism value chain to prioritise customer service in order to maintain their cherished customers and even attract more to their facilities,” he added.