By the end of this year, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture hopes to increase domestic tourism arrivals, which dropped from 600,000 to 200,000 during the COVID-19 epidemic.
This was announced by the deputy sector minister, Mark Okraku Mantey, at the beginning of the Ghana Tourist Authority's second quarterly Public-Private Partnership Forum (PPPF) on Monday in Ho.
Leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCTA) to promote tourism investment and accelerate socioeconomic development was the focus of the Ecobank-sponsored event.
Obstacles
The goal was to identify strategies for dealing with issues impeding industry's steady advancement.
The subjects discussed were Opportunities in AfCTA for Tourism and Hospitality Industry and Exploring Investment Opportunities to take advantage of it. The seminar was attended by some 300 industry participants, including hoteliers, tour operators, Ghana Tourism Federation officials, leaders of the Nigerian Community in Ghana, agents from the security services, and GTA staff.
According to Mr. Mantey, President Akufo-Addo has challenged the ministry to create $4 billion by 2024, and if he succeeds, tourism would become the largest contributor to the nation's GDP.
Developing the sector
According to Mr. Mantey, that vision was consistent with the strategy for diversifying and growing the tourist sector set forth in the Medium-Term National Development Framework for the years 2022–25.
He emphasised that although tourism was a tremendous industry that could spur socioeconomic development, its advantages would not be completely realised without a successful partnership with the private sector.
He said, "In addition, strengthening the culture and its creative assets also demands public-private collaboration because it is an essential component of the tourism offering that provides distinction in the crowded global market.
Mr. Mantey said that the ministry will keep assisting the private sector through the Ghana Tourism Development Project by enhancing tourism attractions and boosting traveller numbers to such locations.
Resilience
Despite recent setbacks in the tourist sector brought on by COVID-19, GTA CEO Kwasi Agyeman said the business was resilient and had good chances of recovering with a significant effect.
The PPPF aims to involve the private sector in discussions on important problems that affect the growth of the tourist industry.
The public and private sectors' commitments include fostering cooperation for the sector's growth and offering a comprehensive strategy for maximising its potential.