The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MoTAC) have approved 96 events for this year’s ‘December in Gh’ tourism flagship events, out of over 200 entries received by the authority.
CEO of the GTA, Mr. Akwasi Agyeman, who disclosed this at a stakeholder engagement and customer service training for the Ghana Traditional Caterers Association in Accra, said it is important for players in the informal catering sector to gear up for the upcoming activities and offer customers the best experience as they arrive, particularly from the diaspora.
The training, he added, was part of an ongoing engagement with various stakeholders and groups in anticipation of the flagship event.
Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture said the sector is expecting some 100,000 tourists for the ‘December in Gh’ events, with some US$200,000 revenue within the period.
“We envisage that the anticipated 100,000 tourists will spend at least US$2,000 each in the economy before the end of the events from late November through to early January 2023,” Dr. Awal said.
He advised Ghanaians, particularly, those in the hospitality sector, “to live up to the country’s reputation as a friendly and welcoming people”.
Each year, there are events that have become favourites and have been included in this year’s activities, such as Afrochella, Little Havana, Taste of Ghana, Afro Nation, YouTube Creators Festival, Westside Carnival, Rhythms on da Runway, and the Roverman Production’s Festival of Plays.
Some new events, which have been added to the calendar this year, include Ada Riverfest, Jollof & Afrobeat Festival, Afrobeats Bazaar, Ghana Water Polo Tournament, Nkyinkyim Museum Freedom Parade, and First Time Home Buyers in Ghana Seminar.
A statement from the Beyond the Return Secretariat in solidarity for the events, stated: “We’re expecting this year to be the biggest for ‘December in GH’. We are excited about welcoming both returning and first-time travellers to Ghana. More events have been endorsed that touch on the different pillars for the Beyond the Return initiative”.
Ghana was recently listed as one of the top travel destinations by National Geographic. It is projected that the country will receive a record number of international travellers this season, and the GTA says it is ready to receive everyone.
December in GH is the country’s biggest celebration of all things – cultural, entertainment, adventure, nightlife, fashion, gastronomy, tours and community service.
