Tourism Goes Beyond Our Hotels & Beaches- Abeiku Santana

Newly appointed tourism ambassador, Abeiku Aggrey Santana has said Ghana has great tourism potentials other than just hotels and beaches and there is the need to raise that awareness.

Speaking in a press statement on Wednesday to thank the Minister of Tourism, Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu Agyare for appointing him as Ghana’s Tourism Ambassador and also outline his vision for the tourism industry, Abeiku said he was happy to take up the challenge in raising awareness for Ghana’s tourism industry as an ambassador.ghanapoliticsonline.com

“I would like to thank the Minister of Tourism, Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu Agyare, for the honour done me. I see this as a challenge and an opportunity to help raise awareness and conscientise the public about the need for us to understand what tourism means. I believe tourism goes beyond our hotels and beaches and there is more we can do,” he said.

He also mentioned three essential areas to use to boost the tourism industry and those included; taxi drivers, media and the hospitality industry.

According to him, “taxi drivers are the first ambassadors of every destination. They must be aware of the unique attractions in the various communities and guide tourists to such destinations. They must be engaged, informed and trained to be ambassadors. They are the go to persons for foreigners on currency exchange, food, shopping etc and must be knowledgeable in the field. Business cards will be a must for every taxi driver to have and issue out to customers.”

Highlighting on support from the media, Abeiku revealed Ghana is in a better position as compared to Liberia, Senegal, Cote D’Ivoire and other West African countries when it comes to tourism. The media can do better to promote Ghana on all media platforms especially social media which can attract various events such as International conferences into the country.

“They must understand their role in promoting Ghana as a peaceful country and the right destination for tourists. When more attention is given to tourism, it will be the largest employer and revenue generating sector of our economy. It plays an integral role in all disciplines; education, health, business, sports and arts to mention a few.”

He concluded by saying that hotels, restaurants and chop bars are a major factor to successful destination.
“The dilemma of every hospitality industry is the sustainability of customers. Waiters and waitresses must be educated and trained on how to sustain customers as they are the value chain of tourism. The more customer satisfaction you have the better your chances of maintaining an attractive business.

Having said the above, I would like to express my profound appreciation to Madam Nancy Sam for her immerse support. Department of Tourism at University of Cape Coast, faculty of Social Science, Despite group of companies, Kenya Tourism board, Zambia Tourism board, Zimbabwe Tourism board, South African Tourism board, friends and family who have engaged me in destination management and promotions

Story by-ghreporter