Ministry of Tourism to issue regular data on the industry

Accra, Dec. 29, GNA- The Ministry of Tourism and Modernization of the Capital City would on Thursday launch a programme under which regular tourism data would be made available to stakeholders and the general public about trends in tourism development in Ghana.

Mrs Bridget Katsriku, Chief Director of the Ministry, speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) about the programme dubbed, "Tourism Data series", said the Ministry would release data and information on specific areas of tourism and allow the public to give their suggestions and recommendation.

"It is imperative for the general public and specifically tourism stakeholders to know that the Ministry collects and stores a variety of useful data and information."

Mrs Katsriku said recommendations from the public would be analysed and used in facilitating the design and implementation of a well-planned tourism strategy in Ghana.

She said the data series would provide relevant information in a clear and concise manner to aid stakeholders' efforts in planning, managing, monitoring and evaluating tourism.

The Ministry would in the coming month issue information on international tourist arrivals, performance of the tourism sector, tourism receipts, domestic tourism development and tourism stakeholder feedback, among other topics.

The Chief Director urged car rental companies, hotels, restaurants and other hospitality-related companies to start thinking about plans to avoid shortages and to increase training of staff that provided requisite services to tourists.