The Ghana Tourism Authority was established by Tourism Act, 2011 (Act 817) as the main implemeting body of the Ministry of Tourism. It replaced the Ghana Tourist Board which was established by NRCD 224 in 1973 as amended by SMCD 80 of 1977. FUNCTIONS OF THE AUTHORITY As the implementing agency of tourism policies its functions include: The regulation of tourism enterprises namely accommodation, catering, travel and charter operations through registration, inspection, licensing and classification. The promotion and marketing of Tourism, both in Ghana and outside Ghana, including the publication of tourism publicity and promotional materials, and participation in \fairs and exhibitions. Carrying out research and studies on trends in the tourism industry both at home and abroad to aid decision and policy-making. Facilitating the development of tourist facilities and products. MISSION STATEMENT The mission of the Ghana Tourism Authority is to ensure sustainable tourism development through the creation of an enabling environment for the provision of quality tourism facilities and services for the traveling public with a well-qualified, highly motivated and dedicated work force and thereby promoting tourism to become the leading sector of the economy. VISION The vision of the Authority is: To see Ghana become the TOURISM CAPITAL of West Africa, especially in culture, heritage, ecotourism as well as conference tourism in a quality non-mass manner. OPERATIONAL DEPARTMENTS OF THE BOARD AND THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES MARKETING Promoting and marketing the country as a tourist destination in Ghana’s overseas and regional markets. Promoting domestic tourism and creating awareness of the benefits of tourism. Developing strategies for effective marketing and promotion. Regulating the business of Travel, Tour and Car Rental Agencies and Charter Operations through registration and licensing. RESEARCH, STATISTICS AND INFORMATION Carrying out research and studying trends in the tourism industry in order to: (a) Segment the market as a guide to the marketing of Ghana’s tourist products (b) Provide information on Market Trends for strategic and effective marketing. (c) Inform Policy Decision and Direction with respect to Tourism Planning, Development and Promotion Maintain a tourism Database. Guiding investors and developers in their project documentation to ensure the sustainable development of Tourism. QUALITY ASSURANCE Setting and regulating industry standards. Registration, inspection, classification and licensing of accommodation and catering enterprises, including hotels, guest houses, motels, lodgings, hotels, restaurants and fast food establishments, drinking bars and traditional catering (chop bars) establishments. Providing extension services to facility operators to ensure the sustainable development of Tourism. PLANNING AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Provision of conceptual and land use plans for the development of tourism products and encouraging investor interest by developing investor information profile on potential and priority projects. Collaboration with relevant public sector agencies for the development of tourism infrastructure. Formulation of strategic framework and plans for Area Development Schemes within the identified tourism zones and routes to ensure environmental conservation and cultural preservation of resources. Appraisal and advice on private sector projects to meet the required economic, environmental and socio-cultural guidelines and industry standards. Co-ordination of the Board’s Planning and Developmental programmes into actionable projects for the ease of monitoring and evaluation. Provision of strategies to negotiate with potential investment partners and provide regulatory indicators for aid donors to ensure that counterpart funding and project activities are within the Board’s budget and regulations of its operations respectively. Providing extension services to investors, including appraising projects proposals and sourcing for funding among others. SUPPORTING DEPARTMENTS Apart from the operational departments outlined above, there are supporting units which provide relevant administrative and professional services for the smooth running of the organization. PUBLIC RELATIONS DEPARTMENT The co-coordinating outfit which oversees the relationship between the Board and the media (both print and electronic) at both the local and international levels. The counseling outfit which facilitates the Board’s communication strategy with various collaborating agencies. Serves as the link between the Board and its various publics. Handles and promotes all the communication needs of the Board (both, internal and external) Responsible for the preparations of newsletters, calendars, leaflets brochures and publication of house journals Counseling the Board on public opinion and their implications on the organization’s activities. Ensuring good relations with the Board’s publics (press, tourists, hoteliers, etc) Handling the Board’s corporate events. Educating the publics on the activities of the Board. Handling customer complaints about the Board’s products and services. Evaluating public opinion about the organization. HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT & TRAINING Promoting high standards in the tourism industry through training and human resource development. Helping in capacity building in both the public and private sectors of the industry. OTHER SUPPORTING DEPARTMENTS The other supporting Departments are Finance, Audit, Administration/Personnel and Legal.