Mr. Addo made the call in a speech delivered on his behalf by MadamPokuwaa Sawyer Deputy Central Regional Minister, at the inauguration at Winnebaof the Regional Chapter of GHATOF, the first of its kind in the country.
The Minister reminded members of the Federation that in the face of keencompetition and dynamism of the industry, partnership and collaboration amongstakeholders is very important and that they must establish a bettercollaboration with relevant public agencies for a peaceful and congenialworking environment.
According to Mr. Addo, GHATOF as the umbrella body of Tourism TradeAssociations, has amongst its objectives, the delivering of services that willpromote the growth of the countrys tourism industry, as well as fostering aneffective public-private partnership for tourism development.
In view of this, I entreat the various trade associations to enforcetheir leadership roles in taking steps to tackle the shortcomings by investingmore in upgrading their facilities, by employing well trained and well-motivatedprofessionals to manage their units, he advised them.
The minister urged them to improve on the quality of service delivered,to meet international standards, devise better and effective marketingstrategies, and work in a concerted manner towards creating sound tourismenvironment in the areas where their facilities are situated.
Mr. Addo pointed out that it is an undisputed fact that tourism is thefastest growing industry that contributes significantly to the economies ofboth developed and developing countries in the world.
He said with the strong commitment from government towards thedevelopment of the tourism industry in the country, the sector is the numberfour foreign exchange earner after Gold, Cocoa and remittances, generatingabout two billion dollars to the Ghanaian economy, from corresponding arrivalsof about 903,000 visitors into the country as at 2012.
The minister hoped the Central Regional Tourism TradeAssociations shall strive towards maintaining the slogan of the region as theheartbeat of Ghanas tourism Industry, and that their collaborative effortswill be sustained for the benefit of all and sundry and Mother Ghana.
Nana Anim, GHATOF President, congratulated members of the Central RegionChapter of the Federation, and advised them to work in accordance with rulesand regulations for the Federation to achieve its lofty targets and aims.
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