Ghana Tourism Authority, others to raise $8b by 2027
The Ghana Tourism Authority, with its allied bodies, has rolled out plans to raise at least $8 billion in foreign exchange by 2027 from an estimated 100 million Chinese world travellers and tourism operators.
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Ghana’s main focus is to build on her cultural heritage, rebrand it and market it through different tourism programmes locally and in China to cash in on China’s huge population.
A seven-member team from China led by the CEO of China Tourism Sector, Dr Adam Wu, was given a foretaste of the new relationship at last Sunday’s Akwasidae at the Manhyia Palace.
The Chinese team appeared stunned by the rich cultural display by the chiefs and people of the Asante Region at the Manhyia Palace where the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, sat in state.
The drumming of the ‘fontomfrom,’ the blowing of horns and the showcasing of the popular ‘Adowa’ dance simply swept the visitors off their feet.
The team, which has already been to Tanzania and Ethiopia to explore tourism opportunities, placed Ghana on top of their destination even before the deal could be finalised.
Agreement
The two countries had preliminary discussions and agreement at the famous yearly ‘Cotton Fair’ in China last year and have pledged to build on the relationship for their benefit.
The Apstar Tours and SunSeekers Tours Limited, two local companies, are partnering the GTA to generate more revenue for the state.
The Managing Director of Apstar Tours, Mrs Stella W. Appenteng, who led the Ghanaian team, expressed the hope that even if a third of the 100 million Chinese targeted could be reached, tourism could become one of Ghana’s highest earning sectors.
Dr Wu expressed the intention to assist in building a business website for the GTA in Chinese language to make it easier for Chinese tour operators to know the tourism potential in Ghana
The trip to Ghana was partly sponsored by Ethiopia Airways.