Thirty institutions and individuals were awarded for the meritorious services and contirbutions to tourims development at this year’s Eastern Regional Tourism awards.
The awards was organised by the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) on the theme: "Celebrating Excellence Beyond Borders-The Black Star Experience", in Koforidua.
The Royal Senchi Hotel and Resort at Atimpoku was adjudged the overall best tourist facility in the region.
Twenty-one competitive awards and nine honorary awards were presented to deserving recipients for their contribution to the industry in the past year.
The Royal Senchi Hotel and Resort won in the 4-Star category, followed by Peduase Valley Resort at Aburi and Safari Valley Resort at Dawu, near Akropong - Akuapem.
In the 3-Star category, Capital View Hotel in Koforidua came first, followed by Volta Hotel at Akosombo and Eastern Premier Hotel, also in Koforidua.
All the winners in the respective categories were presented with plaques and citations for contributing significantly to the development of the tourism industry.
The awardees included Linda Dor Restaurant in Koforidua, Linda Dor Restaurant, Bunso, Daasebre Agyemang Memorial Hotel, Asiakwa, S. Legacy Pub, Atimpoku, Chicken Man/Pizza Man, Koforidua, Faira Fric Hospitality Services, Suhum, Masere Hostel Annex, Brekuso, and Praphite Explores, Koforidua.
The rest were Freedom Hills Hotel, Kwahu-Nkwatia, New Leaders Hotel, Tafo, Aiden Homes and Apartments, Koforidua, Manor Gardens, Peduase, Brekuso, Ohemaa Hor, Nsawam, Mr Fuseini Nawaru Hausa Tours, Koforidua, Hausa Tours, Koforidua, Peduase Chop House, Peduase.
Individuals honoured were Nana Dwomoh Brobbey, Trailblazer in mice tourism, Manfred Takyi, tourism and hospitality investment excellence, Nesta Mawuko, tourism and hospitality investment, Philip Gyasi Yeboah, tourism and investment, Frank Ofosu, tourism hospitality investment, Makafui Vorleto, tourism and culture advocacy and Okere District Assembly, tourism advocacy and development.
Speaking at the event, the Human Resource Director of the GTA, Dinah Owusu, who read the speech on behalf of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GTA, Maame Efua Houadjeto, said last year Ghana recorded the influx of 1.4 million foreign tourists, representing 1.4 per cent increase of 1.3 million arrivals, the previous year.
She stated that the sector generated an estimated US$ 4.34 billion in international tourism receipts, a significant contribution to the national development and foreign exchange earnings.
Domestic tourism
According to Mrs Owusu, domestic tourism also continued to demonstrate remarkable potential, and that the country recorded over 1.79 million visits to 55 tourists sites across the country in 2025.
That, she indicated, reflected the growing interest of Ghanaians in exploring and experiencing the richness, diversity and beauty of their own country.
Mrs Owusu stated that the industry’s productive capacity was equally expanding, and that the number of licensed tourism enterprises increased from 6,702 in 2024 to 7,109 in 2025, representing a 6.1 per cent growth.
The Human Resource Director of GTA further indicated that the travel trade sector within the period expanded by 18.6 per cent, which offered opportunities for tour operators, travel agencies, destination management companies and other tourism service providers.
Mrs Owusu said on the whole Ghana’s tourism was growing with its destinations remaining attractive.
Growth in numbers
The growth in numbers, she however stated, was not enough as such Ghana must match such growth with quality, professionalism, innovation, safety and exceptional customer service.
Mrs Owusu congratulated all the awardees for their hardwork, resilience and invaluable contribution to the Ghanaian tourism sector.
Gateway
Earlier, in his welcome address, the Eastern Regional Director of the GTA, Jones Aruna Nelson, said the region which had been the gateway to other parts of the country, had been blessed with tourism facilities and culturally rich traditions.
He mentioned the serene Kwahu Ridge, the Aburi Botanical Gardens, the Volta River, the Bunso Eco-Tourism Park, Atiwa Forest, the Big Tree and Boti Water Falls, among others.
The Chief of Suhyen, Okogyeaman Owusu Basapon II, who represented the Omanhene of the New Juaben Traditional Area, Daasebre Kwaku Boateng lll, advised the awardees not to relent in their achievements but continue to do more to improve the tourism sector.
