Dr. Kwesi Eyison, CEO of Pacific Tours, has called on Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, the newly nominated Minister for Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts, to adopt a holistic approach to the tourism sector, avoiding any bias toward the arts.
Dr. Eyison emphasized that the tourism industry was a broad, diverse yet interconnected industry, encompassing various sectors such as accommodation, transport, food and beverage services, travel, trade, attractions, event management, the arts and special interest tourism activities.
He advised the incoming minister not to focus solely on one value creating sector, as doing so could harm the industry as a whole.
“The tourism industry is very diverse and integrated. It is essential to strike a balance and integrate all components for the sector to thrive,” he said.
Madam Gomashie was appointed by President John Mahama on January 16 to head the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts.
Dr. Eyison, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), expressed hope that her experience as a former Deputy Minister would guide her in handling the complex and evolving dynamics of the sector.
He noted that the tourism industry had faced significant challenges in recent years, particularly due to the ongoing economic crises and urged the new minister to bring renewed energy and focus to the sector to help it fully recover and grow.
One key area of focus, according to Dr. Eyison, should be increasing inbound tourism to attract more international visitors to boost foreign exchange earnings to help address the Ghanaian currency (cedi) depreciation and foreign direct investment in addition to addressing the multiplicity of statutory and regulatory taxes and levies choking the industry.
He stressed the importance of tourism as an economic driver, suggesting that the sector could contribute significantly to the nation’s economic development if properly prioritized. “Tourism must be seen as integral to economic development,” he added.
He also urged the Member of Parliament for Ketu South to familiarize herself with the draft National Tourism Policy and Cultural Policy, developed by the previous government, which contains valuable frameworks for sector development.
Collaboration and partnership with private sector trade associations and the sector skills body under the Commission for Technical and Vocational Education Training (CTVET) will also be crucial in driving progress, he said.
Dr. Eyison highlighted the need for tangible and intangible infrastructure development and an environment conducive for inclusive youth skills and entrepreneurship development in the industry.
He also pointed out the importance of enhancing service quality and customer experience through skilling, reskilling and upskilling initiatives.
On the Marine Drive project, initiated by the previous administration, Dr. Eyison urged the new minister to assess its current status and resolve any challenges that may have stalled its progress.
“The project has the potential for significant benefits, and it should be revisited and advanced,” he noted.
He also emphasized the need for a shift in mindset, advocating for tourism to be treated as a high priority sector alongside health, education, agriculture and gender issues, saying, tourism could play a pivotal role in addressing socio-economic challenges.
Congratulating Madam Gomashie on her appointment, Dr. Eyison expressed confidence in her ability to lead the sector effectively, given her past experience as deputy minister of tourism in the previous Mahama administration and her discipline of time consciousness especially reporting for events and programmes on time, a requisite for superior customer experience needed in the industry and in the public and private sectors of the country’s socioeconomic landscape.
He encouraged industry practitioners to continue their support and collaboration, irrespective of political affiliations, to promote destination Ghana and enhance the visitor experience.
“We all depend on tourism for our livelihoods, so it is crucial to work together to drive the industry forward.”
GNA
