Mr Akwasi Agyeman, the Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), says the Association of Tourist Attractions and Sites Ghana (ATAS-GH) will be a critical partner in promoting, regulating, and enhancing the tourism experience.
He said this during the inauguration of ATAS-GH, which by law will be the leading advocate and promoter of sustainable tourism development in Ghana to ensure the long-term viability of cultural and natural resources.
The ATAS-GH will also promote Ghana’s rich cultural heritage, national beauty, and historical landmarks through collaboration and partnerships.
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony at the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park on Wednesday, Mr Agyemang described the inauguration of ATAS-GH as a very pivotal moment in the history of Ghana’s tourism.
‘Having ATAS-GH is very critical because we are coming from a period of no regulation to a time where we have to introduce regulations. This is a new terrain that was initiated by L.I. 2393, and with its passage, we started
licencing some of the tourist sites.
‘We welcome the association as a partner for us to regulate the industry responsibly. It will be crucial for the involvement of communities in the management of our sites, and we will work with the association to ensure this is achieved,’ he said.
Mr Agyeman also stated the need for partnership among the various tourism stakeholders to ensure that Ghana’s tourist sites are well developed and managed.
He also urged the executives of the association to bring their skill sets together to champion the initiative of promoting sites and bring together managers of tourists to achieve the common goal of promoting tourism.
Mr. Sampson Donkoh, Executive Director of ATAS-GH, said they were committed to fostering positive change and contributing to the holistic development of Ghana’s tourism industry.
”We thus want to showcase ourselves as a catalyst for change and a beacon for the nation’s tourism development agenda.
‘Moreover, ATAS-GH seeks to serve as a nexus for stakeholder
s in the conservation and preservation of Ghana’s colourful spectrum of tourism resources, including, our natural, cultural, historical, recreational, and leisure events and alternative livelihood activities.
‘ATAS-GH seeks to contribute to the economic growth of the nation by fostering a sense of community among those dedicated to the growth and sustainability of Ghana’s numerous tourist attractions and sites,’ he said.
Some notable dignitaries present at the launch include the Ambassador of Suriname to Ghana, Madam Fidelia Graand-Galon, GTA Board Chairman, Seth Agyei Baah, Vice President of the Ghana Tourism Federation, Mr Kweku Passah, Deputy Chairman of ATAS-GH, Mr Gilbert Abeiku Aggrey Santana and other members of tourism trade associations.
Source: Ghana News Agency