Ghana is now a member of the executive council of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), an agency responsible for the promotion of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism.
The organisation also promotes tourism as driver of economic growth, inclusive development and sustainable environment.
It also offers leadership and support to the sector to advance knowledge of tourism policies worldwide.
Apart from Ghana, five other countries — Nigeria, Rwanda, Namibia, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, were also given the nod to serve on the council.
Event
The council members were selected at the 66th UNWTO Commission for Africa meeting in Mauritius last Thursday.
It was on the theme: “Rethinking tourism for Africa: Addressing global challenges; Promoting investment and partnerships”.
The council, among other things, will consult with the secretary-general to implement decisions that will boost tourism across the globe.
The council will be unveiled at the next UNWTO General Assembly meeting which will take place in Uzbekistan in October this year.
Commitment
In his acceptance speech, the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Dr Ibrahim Mohammed Awal, pledged Ghana’s commitment to put travel and tourism at the summit of the global development agenda.
He also commended his colleague ministers for the trust they put in him.
Dr Awal urged Africa tourism ministers to pursue sustainable tourism practices in order to protect the environment and to also ensure that communities benefit from tourism dividends.
Investment
The minister further called for investment in tourism infrastructure and building the capacity of operators along the tourism value chain to enhance the continent’s competitiveness.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo recently tasked the ministry to implement innovative strategies to make tourism, arts and culture contribute effectively to national development.
He also directed specific sectors to ensure that international tourists arrivals reached two million by 2025, with a corresponding receipt of US $6 billion annually.
Asaase Radio 99.5 broadcasts on radio via 99.5 in Accra, 98.5 in Kumasi, 99.7 in Tamale, 100.3 in Cape Coast and on our affiliates Bawku FM 101.5 in Bawku, Beats FM 99.9 in Bimbilla, Somua FM 89.9 in Gushegu, Stone City 90.7 in Ho, Mining City 89.5 in Tarkwa and Wale FM 106.9 in Walewale
Tune in to broadcasts online: www.asaaseradio.com, Sound Garden and TuneIn
Follow us on Twitter: @asaaseradio995
Live streaming on facebook.com/asaase99.5. Also on YouTube: AsaaseXtra.
Join the conversation. Call: 020 000 9951 or 059 415 7777. Or WhatsApp: 020 000 0995.
#Asaase321
#AmplifyingTheVoiceofOurLand
#WeAreHere
#WeLoveOurLand
#SafeMotorway4All
Graphiconline
