- initiative intends to raise industry standards
In an effort to significantly improve revenues in the tourism sector, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture and the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) have launched the visitGhana internet application (app) known as the National Tourism Single Window Destination project to raise standards in the sector.
The all-in-one application and platform is expected to enhance service quality across the tourism value chain and bring service providers and customers into one marketplace. Apart from streamlining the services and operations of the country’s tourism sector, the initiative would also provide real time data for policymakers and investors.
Addressing industry players, participants and the diplomatic community about the initiative, Tourism Minister, Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed Awal indicated that the visitGhana application is a must have by all tourism sector businesses, urging, “download and install the app, whether you are a service provider, a visitor or someone who wants to find out about Ghana’s unique tourism offerings.”
The single window project, which is categorized into three segments known as modules, with each aimed at addressing identified needs in the industry, will also block loopholes to maximize revenue generation.
The consolidated portal, has information relevant to the industry for visitors and tourists about Ghana, be it business, tourism, service providers, geo-location, social media mapping among others.
Module one of the window, focuses on enhancing the tourism levy collection process to raise needed funding for destination marketing, capacity building and infrastructural projects. Module two, aims at automating GTA processes and providing a seamless interface with relevant stakeholders, with module three, aiming at promoting Ghana as an attractive tourism destination globally.
These modules, according to Dr Awal is meant to deepen public access to information on the country’s tourism profile in a broader angle, even for domestic tourists.
He maintained that the sector’s presence on the internet, could go a long way to meet Ghana’s target of registering a commanding presence in the African tourism. “We want to create one million jobs by 2024 in the domestic and international tourism scene and a lot is required to attain these feats. Car rentals, hoteliers, tour guides and restaurant owners must not consider operations as business as usual,” he said.
GTA’s CEO, Akwasi Agyeman, said the Single Window Destination project is targeted at promoting excellence in the tourism industry by raising the standards of hospitality agencies and improving their services.
He said the platform is user-friendly and currently have about 150 operators functioning on it. He however said, about 80 percent of industry players are yet to register on the app which comes at no cost.
“The platform provides every information that you require about Ghana, if it is about business, if it is about tourism, all information will be captured in there. You also have access to service providers, geolocation…. there’ll be social media mapping, the portal search, the book engine, plan your trip, book your trip, the mobile adaptation app for the average visitor which you have to download on your phone for you to be able to reach out to the destination Ghana,” he added.
