Tamale: The Institute of Hospitality Ghana has called for stronger collaboration among key stakeholders to build a resilient, innovative, and sustainable hospitality and tourism industry capable of driving national development. This appeal was made during the Institute's 13th Delegates Conference held in Tamale, focusing on the theme: 'Leading Progress in Hospitality and Tourism: Innovation, Sustainability and Green Technology'.
According to Ghana News Agency, the two-day conference, hosted by the Hospitality and Tourism Department of the Tamale Technical University, brought together hospitality practitioners, tourism operators, educators, students, and development partners to discuss strategies for advancing Ghana's tourism and hospitality industry. Dr. Patricia Owusu-Darko, National President of the Institute of Hospitality Ghana, emphasized that the industry is rapidly transforming due to technological advancements, changing consumer expectations, and sustainability concerns.
Dr. Owusu-Darko stated that the Institute continues to promote professional excellence through annual conferences, monthly webinars, training workshops, and community outreach programs aimed at strengthening industry competencies and responsible tourism practices. She highlighted initiatives like the Youth Ambassadors Programme, Hospitality and Tourism Startup Bootcamps, scholarships, and youth leadership forums designed to foster innovation and entrepreneurship among young people.
She also announced plans to launch a Women in Hospitality and Tourism Initiative, which will offer leadership mentorship, business support, technical skills training, and digital literacy opportunities, including the use of artificial intelligence in hospitality operations. Additional plans include introducing digital hospitality laboratories, e-certification programs, and online micro-credential courses to help students and practitioners remain competitive globally.
Dr. Joseph Mensah-Ansah, a Hospitality and Tourism Consultant, challenged educators and industry leaders to rethink hospitality and tourism training to respond effectively to emerging global trends. He noted that technological advancements, climate change, digital transformation, and evolving customer expectations are reshaping the global tourism landscape, necessitating new approaches to education and workforce development.
Professor Kobby Mensah, CEO of the Ghana Tourism Development Company (GTDC), encouraged hospitality and tourism businesses to leverage digital platforms and online marketing tools to expand their reach and improve visibility. He highlighted the importance of a digital presence for businesses seeking to attract customers and stay competitive, noting that small enterprises could benefit from the Ghana Tourism Marketplace platform.
Prof. Mensah explained that the platform offers online visibility, digital payment solutions, and delivery services, while the GTDC's Tourism Entrepreneurship Hub provides mentorship and business support for students, startups, and existing tourism enterprises. He urged business owners to utilize social media engagement, user-generated content, and search engine optimization techniques to promote their brands and achieve growth at minimal cost.