President Akufo-Addo of Ghana expects 2 million tourists and $4 billion in two years.

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo announced that Ghana is working to attract two million international visitors that will result in a $4 billion spending effect by 2025 as part of initiatives to help tourism play its leading role in the economic development of the country.

According to him, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture has been tasked with stepping up its promotional operations, policies, and programs in order to meet the goal as part of the measures put in place.

At the inaugural Presidential Summit on Tourism held at the Peduase Presidential Lodge in the Eastern Region yesterday, President Akufo-Addo made this announcement.

Summit

Participants from all government agencies and ministries as well as business stakeholders in the industry attended the two-day summit that was organized at the President’s request.

“Rethinking tourism for economic growth and job creation” is the focus of the article.

President Akufo-Addo attended the paper presentations, panel discussions, and questions and answers sessions after the opening ceremony and all other activities, which is unusual among presidential correspondents from different media outlets.

According to estimates, the tourist industry will generate 10 out of every 100 new employment globally by 2033.

Data

President Akufo-Addo cited data to claim that the tourism industry was expanding once more after the COVID-19-related slump.

Stats

He pointed out that domestic tourism increased from 600,000 in 2021 to almost a million in 2022, and that international arrivals increased by 81% over 2021 figures. He also noted that these numbers were supported by people who were employed, including farmers who produced the food, caterers and chefs, tour guides, drivers, and makers of handicrafts.

The Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, as well as the Ghana Tourism Authority, have been tasked with continuing to take the initiative as the government places tourism at the forefront of national development, according to President Akufo-Addo.

“We are developing a strong tourism industry, and numerous tourist destinations are presently receiving upgrades.

We are adamant about creating a tourism economy where hospitality, the arts, and culture serve as catalysts for growth,” he continued.

Proposals

The conference should concentrate on a four-fold strategy, from reservation promotion to policy leadership and partnership, according to President Akufo-Addo’s suggestion.

He added that “we are the guardians of Ghana’s natural wonders and it is our responsibility to safeguard them for future generations and strengthen our commitment to environmental conservation, combat climate change, and promote eco-friendly practices in the tourism industry.” He went on to explain that the country must preserve what it had.

According to him, doing so would protect the natural heritage and draw eco-aware tourists, whose numbers were significantly increasing globally and who were looking for travel areas that matched their ideals.

In order to highlight the diversity that Ghana has to offer, President Akufo-Addo called for the amplifying of Ghana’s distinctive appeal on the international arena through planned marketing campaigns, improved digital presence, and focused investments in infrastructure.

In terms of policy leadership, he argued that the public sector must take the lead in fostering the environment and framework necessary for investments to flourish, and that the government is prioritizing the e-Visa regime, the Homeland Return Act, and the visa on arrival procedures as a result.

According to him, the government has recently passed laws governing tourist destinations and attractions through the Ghana Tourism Authority and would continue to do so in order to advance the industry.

Partnership

The tourism industry, according to President Akufo-Addo, necessitates partnerships, a collaborative approach including all stakeholders, and calls for a concerted effort, shared knowledge, and pooled resources.

“Let’s establish a thorough structure that encourages discussion, collaboration, and invention.

Together, we can create models for sustainable tourism, support domestic business owners, and make sure that the advantages of tourism are felt throughout the entire nation, he continued.

Minister

Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed Awal, the minister of tourism, arts, and culture, noted that the increase in tourist arrivals in the first quarter of this year, from 170,000 in the previous quarter to 247,000 arrivals, showed that investments in the arts, culture, and tourism sector were paying off.

He claimed that the economy would benefit if each visitor spent $3,000 there.

“Mr. President, I want to reassure all the stakeholders that the Destination Ghana Project is moving on and that we are not taking a break.

We need your help, so please do so.

Join forces with us and promote Ghana as a travel destination. Added Dr. Awal

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