“Government committed to developing tourism” - Mrs Azumah-Mensah

Mrs. Juliana Azumah-Mensah, Minister of Tourism, on Saturday reiterated government's commitment to creating a conducive environment for sustainable development and growth of tourism.

She said the Ministry would continue to work closely with the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, Ghana Investment Promotion Centre and other shareholders to ensure that concessions, incentives and tax holidays provided under the GIPC Act LII8717 for hotels, restaurants, transport, recreation and entertainment operators were implemented.

Mrs. Azumah-Mensah, who gave the assurance at the launch and dedication of MAC-DIC Royal Hotel in Koforidua at the Weekend, said currently, tourism was the country's fourth highest foreign exchange earner after gold, cocoa and remittances from Ghanaians resident abroad.

She said tourism was becoming sophisticated and competitive and called for closer collaboration between the ministries, departments and metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies, the private sector, traditional councils and other development partners to improve the sector.

Mrs. Azumah-Mensah urged owners of the various hospitality facilities to take the training of their staff seriously.

Mr. Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, Eastern Regional Minister, urged management of the hotel to show case the cultural heritage of the region and promote the sale of local foods.

He commended Nana Kofi Adjei Twinin, owner of the hotel, for establishing the facility to create jobs for the people.
Nana Adjei Twinin said management as part of its social responsibility, offered scholarships to needy but brilliant children in the New Juaben Municipality to enable them to continue their education.

He appealed to government to resource the Ministry of Tourism to enable it to operate effectively to promote tourism.