By Kofi Ahovi
Available Statistics from the Ghana Tourist Board (GTB) indicates that the tourism sector generated a total of US1.62 million in 2009 compared to US1.4 million recorded in 2008.
A total of 802,779 tourists visited the country during the same period compared to 698,069 in 2008.
The number of tourists visiting the country for business in 2009 stood at 184,639, representing 23%, out of this number, 72,250 representing 9% came to attend conferences and meetings; 160,556 tourists representing 19% came mainly for holiday, while 80,278 representing 10% were on transit.
These statistics point to a steady increase in the number of foreigners who visit Ghana and the growing significance of the tourism industry to the national economy.
In this regard, the Ministry of Tourism in partnership with the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre launched the International Tourism Investment Forum last month with the aim of boosting domestic and international tourism in the country.
The Forum reviewed the institutional structures of tourism, including the private and public sector organisations, tourism legislation and regulations, and manpower planning and development.
A total of 500 delegates comprising government officials, policy makers, corporate executives, potential investors from both local and international markets gathered to discuss issues concerning tourism and how to position Ghana as the preferred tourist destination.
Tourism is considered as one of the most promising sectors of the national economy and a potentially high income earner for the country.
Incidentally, some stakeholders have appealed to government to expedite action on the passage of the Tourism Bill which would serve as a blue print for the accelerated growth of the sector.
Available Statistics from the Ghana Tourist Board (GTB) indicates that the tourism sector generated a total of US1.62 million in 2009 compared to US1.4 million recorded in 2008.
A total of 802,779 tourists visited the country during the same period compared to 698,069 in 2008.
The number of tourists visiting the country for business in 2009 stood at 184,639, representing 23%, out of this number, 72,250 representing 9% came to attend conferences and meetings; 160,556 tourists representing 19% came mainly for holiday, while 80,278 representing 10% were on transit.
These statistics point to a steady increase in the number of foreigners who visit Ghana and the growing significance of the tourism industry to the national economy.
In this regard, the Ministry of Tourism in partnership with the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre launched the International Tourism Investment Forum last month with the aim of boosting domestic and international tourism in the country.
The Forum reviewed the institutional structures of tourism, including the private and public sector organisations, tourism legislation and regulations, and manpower planning and development.
A total of 500 delegates comprising government officials, policy makers, corporate executives, potential investors from both local and international markets gathered to discuss issues concerning tourism and how to position Ghana as the preferred tourist destination.
Tourism is considered as one of the most promising sectors of the national economy and a potentially high income earner for the country.
Incidentally, some stakeholders have appealed to government to expedite action on the passage of the Tourism Bill which would serve as a blue print for the accelerated growth of the sector.
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