Africa Hospitality Show opens in Accra
The first Africa Hospitality Show (AHS) opened in Accra on Thursday with a call on government to create the right synergies to harness the opportunities offered by the hospitality Industry.
Dr Joseph Mensah Ansah, Senior Lecturer, GIMPA School of Hospitality and Tourism, said the industry had increasingly been recognised for its economic potential to contribute to poverty reduction.
He called for action to develop the sector to help address the issues of unemployment in the country.
Speaking on the theme: “Contemporary Issues on Tourism and Hospitality in Ghana”, Dr Ansah, who is also the Chairperson of Association of Hospitality and Tourism School in Africa, said issues ranging from bureaucracy to national sanitation, especially in the cities, are some of the challenges facing the industry.
Other obstacles include perceived multiple taxation and tax collection strategies, poor products and service quality, as well as the difficulty in recruiting and maintaining dedicated and skilled employees.
He said policy framework, performance of the sector and the slow rate and perceived selective approach to implementing the Tourism Act, Act 817 were also beleaguering the industry, stalling development of the industry, which started as early as independence, with the development of state owned hotels and guesthouses as well as setting up of tourism infrastructure.
“Nevertheless the industry is in its infant stages of development, Dr Ansah said, adding that, the private sector which was championing its growth had not been empowered enough to take full control of the sector.
He therefore called on all stakeholders and the state, to consider tourism as a potentially viable outlet for ensuring the diversification of the economy.
“I believe in the potential of the hospitality and tourism industry in providing a panacea to some of our pressing national challenges and together we can make this work”, he indicated.
Mr Herbert Acquaye, National President, Ghana Hotel Association, said the three-day show promises a great business environment that would offer a platform for dialoguing and networking.
The over 72 exhibitors and participants would also discuss industry challenges and foster relationship to come out with new ideas that would help address the problems in the sector.
He said the past 10 years had seen lots of growth in the hospitality sector but there were still many challenges, with best practices and “green issues” that needed to be looked at and discussed.
The maiden show is being organised by Litina Travel, in collaboration with the Association of Ghana Industries, (AGI), Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) and Ghana Association of Hoteliers, and may become an annual programme.
Participants, including hoteliers and other exhibitors from Ghana, Asia, Europe and America are participating and showcasing their various wares and services.
Source: GNA