The Ghana Tourism Federation, (GHATOF) has pledged its unfettered support to the new Sector Minister, Hon. Catherine Afeku and to the sector in general.
This came to light when executives of the Association called on her to formally congratulate her and to also to discuss ways they can partner government to see the development of the sector.
Mrs. Catherine Afeku, encouraged GHATOF not to hesitate in coming to her with suggestions and advises which will propel the sector to its right of place in the economy.
“We are here to serve you and we are also here to listen to you and to build a successful industry” she stressed.
According to the Minister the tourism sector has not been given the pride of place in the country and therefore appealed for more collaboration from industry players.
“I think most of you as veterans will attest to the fact that tourism as a sector has not been given the pride of place in the country and together with your policy directions and advise and tips from the field we will be able to inculcate a can-do spirit and put us on the map where tourism is not an appendage of GDP contribution but a focal point for this country” she said.
She indicated the sector has a lot to offer because its potential far out-weighs the challenges and thus entreated the players to focus on the positives.
Some other issues that came to fore during the meeting was for the reintroduction of the Public Private Partnership Forum, which afforded the private sector to dialogue with policy makers.
According to GHATOF, it was a very useful forum which yielded many fruitful results.
There was also the call for the institution of an inter-ministerial committee comprising of the Ministers of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Interior and Trade.
