The Ghana Tourist Board (GTB) on Tuesday launched the eighth Ghana Tourism Awards 2008 with the introduction of innovative packages to reflect realities of modern day trends in the tourist industry. The biennial event, which represents the highest accolade for hospitality service providers in the country, would, among other objectives, reward excellence, ensure competitiveness and promote Ghana as a top class tourist destination in Africa. Mr. Martin Mireku, Acting Executive Director, GTB, said the Board in consultation with stakeholders had decided to organize this year's event on zonal basis, instead of the previous 10 regional events and the national award. He stated that the three regions in northern Ghana would be categorized into one zone with Tamale as the host. The award programme is scheduled for Saturday, April 28. Ashanti, Brong Ahafo and Eastern regions, he said, would also have one event on Saturday, May 10 in Kumasi, adding that Greater Accra, Western, Central and Volta regions would have their event at Ho on Saturday, May 24. The National event would however take place in Accra on July 18. Mr. Mireku said a seven-member jury consisting academia, a representative from the Association of Ghana Industry and some tourist players, had been set up to select nominees, adding that, the general public would this year participate in the selection process through SMS text massaging on mobile phones, which would be supervised by an Audit firm. Mr. Stephen Asamoah-Boateng, Minister of Tourism and Diasporan Relations said the award complemented government's effort in ensuring quality service delivery in the hospitality industry, saying, “to be truly competitive in today's tourism market place required world class performance". He said the forthcoming African Cup of Nations, Ghana 2008, had brought the need for tourist players to meet the expectation of visitors by maintaining product quality. The Minister was optimistic that efforts made by various tourist sectors to ensure a successful Ghana 2008, would go a long way to make the awards ceremony very competitive this year. Guinness Ghana Limited is sponsoring the event that would be co-organised by Global Media Alliance and Dateline Marketing Services. The award would cover accommodation, Travel Services, International Airlines, Domestic Airlines, Night Clubs, Restaurants, Chop Bars and Waiters. GNA