Tourism is the act of spending time away from home in pursuit of recreation, relaxation and pleasure, while making use of the commercial provision of service. Tourism has become one of the most important sectors of the economy which needs critical attention. So many countries Pay attention to the tourism industry to generate income for the country’s growth.
For example, Dubai, China, UK, USA all prioritize tourism because they know how important it is and the income it generates each year for the country. Has Ghana prioritized tourism, as one of the areas where we can generate income to boost the economy? It’s important that we as a country strive for sustainable tourism so as to remain glued to enjoy the benefits that come with it. Sustainable tourism is a concept that covers the complete tourism experience, including concern for economic, social, and environmental issues as well as attention to improving tourists’ experiences and addressing the needs of host communities.
Sustainable tourism should embrace concerns for environmental protection, social equity, and the quality of life, cultural diversity, and a dynamic, viable economy delivering jobs and prosperity for all. It is evident that sustainable tourism covers all aspects of tourism that deals with its management and development. Has the Ghanaian government been able to deliver as per this phenomenon? This article seeks to address the concerns of the tourism industry. Has Ghana really benefited from tourism?
Has the government prioritized that, tourism is one of the shakers of the economy.What are the measures government has put in place to address all issues concerning the tourism industry? What mechanism has government put in place, to ensure that tourism is lifted higher, as compared to the attention they have given to other resources that they think are the dictators of the economy. In Ghana, tourism has been one of the major contributors to the economy.
I agree that other major sectors contribute greatly to the country’s GDP, nevertheless the tourism sector can’t be overlooked. African countries like South Africa, Egypt, Morocco, Ethiopia are all beneficiaries of tourism and their economies have expanded greatly due to how they have managed and developed their tourism sector. In 2018, the then President of Ghana, Nana Akuffo-Addo declared 2019 as the year of return. I believe that was a strategic way to make tourism attractive to the international community. When you look at Ghana, we have so many historic artifacts that attracts people to come learn about our history.
It is no wonder that, Ghana is called the gateway to Africa. The cape coast and Elmira castles in the 1400s served as a place where slaves were kept and sold to Europe and greater part or Americas and there the monuments served as tourist attractions to the diasporas when they visit the country. As part of promoting tourism, the then President, H. E. Nana Akuffo Addo also took the opportunity to have the independence celebration in different parts of the country. He didn’t station the celebration only in the capital as it was done before. This was a strategy to help outdoor some rich Ghanaian cultures and also project the regions for the purpose of tourism.
It is evident that Ghana under the former President, had very good income generation from the tourism sector. Each year, the number of international tourist see massive improvements as more and more people troop into the country for tourism purposes. According to Statista, over a 1 million internationals troop into Ghana each year for tourism purposes and this is a major boost for the economy. Apart from 2020 which recorded lower number of visits due to the corona virus pandemic, each year has been an improvement on the former due to higher patronage of foreigners to experience the rich culture of Ghana. Records show that tourism contributes over 3 million US dollars each year to the country’s GDP.
It is evident that if tourism is given the needed attention as some other sectors of the economy are given, the economy will be affected greatly in a positive way. Countries like Dubai, UK, USA, are all great beneficiaries due to how well they have developed their tourism. Ghana is no exception from these countries, if we also prioritize our tourism sector as one that will help improve our economy. Ghana is not only a peaceful country but also rich in natural resources. One of the highest producers of natural resources in Africa. This makes the country attractive to investors easily.
It’s interesting to know that Ghana is also one of the most preferred tourist destinations to the westerners. Ghana at large has all the resources to make the country a better place for the indigenes but, it’s left for the leadership to realize which sectors can help grow the economy at a faster rate and channel their energy to those sectors. I believe if that is done Ghana can be recognized as one the fast-growing economies like other African countries. We opened the way for other countries to also gain independence from the Europeans but Ghana as a country is still struggling due to mismanagement of the economy. I believe if proper stakeholders sit and think through, the right thing will be done.
BY: Julia Lartey
APN Director of Tourism and CEO, Jex Travel