By Samuel SAM
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)-Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), Akwasi Agyeman, has encouraged Ghanaians to patronise local tourist attractions, support local businesses and experience the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty that Ghana has to offer.
“Let us work together to promote tourism development and create opportunities for economic growth and job creation,” he said.
The CEO – represented by Director-Research and Monitoring Evaluation (RME) Dr. Spencer Doku – announced this at the Northern Regional Tourism Awards held in Sagnarigu municipality, Northern Region.
The event, dubbed ‘Celebrating Innovation and Excellence in the Tourism Sector’, could not be more fitting. It was used to recognise and reward outstanding performance, promote high standards and encourage innovation and improvement as well as quality service delivery.
For accommodation awards, 2-Star went to Nim Avenue Hotel; 1-Star to Bowmarie Resort; Budget of the Year to Mbiib-Do Guest House; Service Apartment to Daa Dingbe Suites; and Good Corporate Organisation of the Year went to Catholic Archdiocesan Guesthouse.
For the Catering Services, Restaurant of the Year (Grade 2) went to Wooden Lounge; Restaurant of the Year (Grade 3) to 7A’S Unique Services; Chop Bar of the Year to De-Shallote Catering Service; Drinking Bar of the year to King David Spot; and Fast Food of the Year to KFC.
For the travel services, Tour Operator went to TRIP AFRICA TOURS; Travel Agency of the Year to Power Link Travel And Tour to Tamale; Tour Guide of the Year to Yussif Adam Abdul Rahman; while Visitor Attraction of the Year went to Red Clay Studio
Zaa Multi-Media was adjudged Tourism-Oriented Media of the Year, with the Media Personality of the Year and honorary award going to Samuel Sam of the Business and Financial Times (B&FT); and Tourism Excellence Advocate went to Gilbert Dery, Northern Regional Chairman-Ghana Hotels Association.
Northern Regional Minister Alhaji Shani Alhassan Saibu, represented by the Regional Director Sumaila Ewuntomi Abudu, said the sector has contributed in driving the region’s socio-economic development.
Northern Regional Director-GTA, Lawyer Angelo Dogbe, said though the creation of Savannah and North East Regions took with them key attractions like Mole National Park and the Mystic Stone, Northern Region continues to brim with untapped resources.
“The region remains committed to fostering creativity and sustainable practices that will set it apart; and with continued collaboration we will elevate Northern Region as a prime tourism destination,” he said.
