The Ghana Tourism Federation (GHATOF) is optimistic of a productive 2022 with exciting domestic tourism activities.
Madam Bella Ahu, President of GHATOF, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, said though COVID 19 had crushed the industry, the Ministry of Tourism Arts and Culture and its implementing agencies were, taking steps to ensure that the industry bounced back fully.
She said the Ministry was now focusing on domestic tourism as the way to go, which was receiving good patronage.
Madam Ahu said plans were underway to repackage a lot of Ghanaian festivals to attract a lot of visitors from different parts of the country, as well as the organisation of theatre shows that portrayed the true Ghanaian culture, fun trips to various tourist sites and fun games, debates, cooking competitions and football tournaments for the youth.
“Our main target for 2022 is to improve domestic tourism. Training programmes will be organised for industry players across all the fields, hotels and catering, restaurants, car rentals, tour guards among others to enhance their skills to be able to deliver better services.”
The GHATOF President said this December a lot of programmes had been outlined by the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) and the Beyond the Return Secretariat for the “December in GH” events, including Afrochella, Rhythms on the Run Way, Taste of Ghana, Kwanzaa, Diaspora Transition, Takoradi Festival, A centenary of the demise of Yaa Asantewaa at Kumasi, and GUBA awards.
“Since 2019, December had become a key month for tourism growth, especially with high profile events drawing thousands from across the globe into the country.”
Madam Ahu said Ghana continued to be the destination of choice in West Africa during the holiday season, and that it was anticipated that thousands of travellers would be arriving in the country throughout the coming weeks.
She said per the plans by the GTA, this year’s activities would also include programmes happening in other regions that would give travellers to Ghana an opportunity to explore other parts of the country and partake in the various cultures.
“Events have been endorsed to happen in other regions like Volta, Upper East, Western, and Bono East regions.”
“Some of the programmes in the Volta Region have been put on hold for now, but definitely they would come on once the tides are down. Because we are looking at programmes like beach footballs, encouraging boat races on the lagoon and the sea, among others.”
She urged organisers of “December in GH” to adhere strictly to all the COVID-19 protocols to prevent the rise in infection during and after the event.
Source: Ghana News Agency
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