Ghana’s tourism sector has recorded a 19-percent revenue increase, from GH¢987 million in 2006 to over GH¢1.2 billion in 2007.

The sector also contributed 0.47 percent to gross domestic product (GDP) from 5.83 to 6.3 percent over the same period.

Minister of State at the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, Dr. Anthony Akoto Osei, who disclosed this at this year’s national tourism awards held in Accra, said government is considering revamping the tourism sector with the setting up of a tourism development fund, to make the country a preferred tourist destination.

He also said the fund will further attract private capital into the sector.

Thirty-two tourism enterprises, corporate bodies and individuals from the savanna, forest and coastal belts of the country were present at this year’s national tourism awards, both in the competitive and honorary categories.

The Executive Director of the Ghana Tourist Board, Martin Mireku said the institution of the award had encouraged excellence and professionalism.

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines was crowned the Best International Airline of the Year with Sunseekers Tours winning the Tour Operator of the Year.

Fiesta Royale Hotel in Accra won two awards- the Best Three-Star Hotel of the Year and the Best Landscape Ambience Award. There were no winners in the four to five star hotel categories.

Tamale was adjudged the cleanest city while a Ghanaian Times reporter, Kingsley Hope, was crowned the Tourism Writer of the Year.


Source: Daily Guide