Mr. Ekow Sampson, the Ashanti Regional Manager, indicated that the tall list of heritage and cultural sites spread across the region held enormous potential to grow the local economies.

He made reference to the Manhyia Palace Museum, which over the past four years, had seen 199,044 arrivals, raking in GH?458,000.00.  He said the Okomfo Anokye Sword site, Prempeh II Jubilee Museum and other heritage sites alongside cultural-related events would be well-packaged to enhance their appeal.

Mr. Sampson, who spoke to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Kumasi, after visits to some heritage sites to mark this year’s World Tourism Day, said cultural tourism had become the global trend.

Many developing countries were turning to this as they moved to diversify their economies.

“Tourism for all, universal accessibility”, was the theme chosen for this year’s event and areas visited included the Ghana Armed Forces Museum, Centre for National Culture, Manhyia Palace and Prempeh II Museum. Members of selected tourist clubs, pupils and students participated and they were given useful insights into the establishment of the Asante Kingdom, cultural, religious and socio-economic lives of the Asantes.  

Mr. Sampson said with the right investment in tourism infrastructure development, the sector could create more jobs and wealth for the people.  He gave the assurance that the GTA would continue to work with zeal to ensure that operators in the hospitality industry conformed to best international practices.