Lagos: Ghana has reaffirmed its commitment to harnessing the transformative power of tourism as a driver for economic development, cultural exchange, and sustainable investment at a commemorative event for United Nations World Tourism Day. The event was held on the sidelines of the inaugural Ghana International Expo and Investment Forum in Lagos, Nigeria, over the weekend.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Alexander Kwame Nketia, Director for Product Development and Investment, Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), emphasized that the event was not only a celebration of the tourism sector but a call to action for African nations to reposition tourism as a cornerstone of sustainable development. He stated that tourism extends beyond the movement of people, acting as a vital connector of cultures, and a promoter of trade and investment.
The event, themed ‘Tourism and Sustainable Transformation,’ brought together stakeholders from both Ghana and Nigeria to promote intra-African trade, tourism, and investment opportunities. Mr. Nketia highlighted the importance of deepening Ghana-Nigeria collaboration in the sector, describing their relationship as symbiotic with significant potential for mutual benefit.
He envisaged a future where events such as a Nigeria International Expo could be hosted in Ghana, fostering a collaborative force across the region. Citing ongoing efforts by the government, Mr. Nketia noted Ghana’s commitment to developing a robust tourism ecosystem, with initiatives like this inaugural Expo serving as catalysts for positioning Ghana as a competitive and sustainable tourism destination.
Mr. Ambrose Edwin Nsarkoh, Deputy CEO of the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), underscored the global significance of the tourism sector, referencing recent figures by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), World Bank, and UN Tourism. He stressed the intrinsic link between tourism and trade, advocating for its prioritization in Ghana’s economic growth strategy.
He emphasized the sector’s contribution to jobs and revenue, advocating for sustainable tourism practices that minimize harm while creating lasting benefits. He called on private sector actors from both Ghana and Nigeria to partner with the GTA in developing infrastructure to enhance tourism product packaging and marketing.
GEPA, he said, is committed to working closely with the GTA and relevant associations to scale up the sector’s revenue-generating capacity, capitalizing on the global tourism market projected to generate over USD 5.8 trillion in revenue.
The four-day Expo brought together institutions such as GEPA, Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA), and a delegation of Ghanaian SMEs. The Ghanaian delegation received strong support from host institutions in Nigeria, including the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, and other governmental and industrial bodies.
Special acknowledgments were given to the Ghanaian community in Lagos for their support, with commendations for individuals like Mr. Stephen Ampey and Mr. Hayford for their leadership. Organizers expressed optimism that the maiden event had laid a solid foundation for future editions and called for continued collaboration to ensure the sustainability and success of such initiatives.