Award winners in a group photograph with dignitaries at the event

 Stakeholders in the tourism sector who have excelled in the year under review were on last Thursday, November 3, 2022 honoured at the 14th Na­tional Tourism Awards which was held at the Avenue in Accra.

It was on the theme, ‘Sus­tainable tourism growth, the role of the private sector.’

Speaking at the event, the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mark Okraku Man­tey commended players in the tourism sector for their immense contribution to the country’s growth regardless of the global challenges.

He said that was why the government had put in place measures to create the enabling environment for the sector to thrive and become the number one contributor to Gross Domes­tic Product (GDP).

He added that the Ministry had embarked on renovation of the National Museum, Bisa Abre­wa Museum, Aburi Gardens, Bon­wire Museum, Manhyia Palace Museum, Kwame Nkrumah Park facelift and five amphitheatres about to be built in addition to $10 million grant for the sector among others.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO)of Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), Mr.Akwasi Agyeman said all indicators in the sector were pointing towards the right direc­tion signifying a strong rebound from COVID-19.

He revealed that the total number of new projects regis­tered with the GTA this year was 421 for the accommodation sec­tor with about 5,078 new rooms estimated at GH₵360 million.

Mr.Agyeman added that there were about 107 ongoing restaurants and entertainment centres nationwide estimated at GH₵1.5 million and that under the Ghana Cares Project, 3100 practitioners have been trained in customer care, product knowledge and business devel­opment.

CEO of Ghana Investment Promotion Centre, Mr.Yoofi Grant called for deliberate attempt to build capacity in the sector for rapid growth, adding that the tourism industry which was the low hanging fruit must not be taking for granted.

CEO of Alisa Hotels, Mr.Kwame Ofosu Bamfo was crowned the Tourism Man of the Year.

On the night, Kempinski was adjudged 5 Star Hotel of the Year, whereas 4 Star Hotel of the Year went to Tang Palace Hotel with Aqua Safari winning the 3 Star Hotel of the Year.

Traditional Caterer-Chop Bar of the Year, Bush Canteen, Fast Food Establishment of the Year, Papaye(Spintex), Drinking Bar of the Year, Choice Lounge(A­naji), Night Club of the Year, Crescendo, Tour Operator of the Year, Adansi Travel, Excellence In Promotion of Local Cuisine, Azmera and Tourism Programme of the Year went to Chalewote Arts Festival.

Many stakeholders in the sector were honoured on the night.

By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme