There is urgent need for major investment in the hospitality industry to enable the country position itself as a major attraction and destination in West Africa. Mr. Zibrim Yamusah, Chief Executive Officer of the Best Western Premier Hotel, speaking in Accra, observed that the low investment in the country’s hospitality sector is quite disappointing for a country that is positioning itself to be the major force to reckon with in West Africa -- and with the country’s discovery of oil in commercial quantities. “Over the past 10 years, governments have made strenuous efforts to grow the hospitality industry; however, the country is still nowhere near meeting its accommodation requirement for the upscale market.” Notwithstanding the shortfall in accommodation requirements for the upscale market, players are still operating in an intensely competitive environment, Mr. Yamusah stated, a situation that will get even keener with the opening-up of the market to major hotel chains ready to operate in the country. “We at Best Western have been prudent with our pricing, especially the offers we have made to corporate clients, thereby making us the first-choice hotel for international travellers. “We are rated highly among the four-star hotels in terms of ambience, room-size and decoration, global brand, strong loyalty programme, fast Internet service, large conference facilities and generally one of the best hotels for business.” He said the hotel recognises the competitive challenge posed by hotels in the two- and three star- categories. “Given our strong penetration and response to the market, it is now essential to maintain or even improve our strong position in the industry league-table.” He pointed out that the strategic location of the hotel, close to the main international airport, is key to its success on the Ghanaian market. “We offer our guests the most up-to-date technical business facilities and free Internet, both inside rooms and within the hotels’ public areas and conferences facilities. Best Western Premier Accra Airport Hotel offers 113 guest rooms, premier rooms, suites, premier suites and penthouse suites. It is complemented by the latest international standard and facilities including a banquet hall, auditorium, lounge, pool and pool bar, jazz club, fitness centre and a Zaras restaurant offering fine cuisine from around the globe. The Best Western brand operates over 4,000 hotels in over 80 countries worldwide.