The Government of Ghana has announced a stimulus package to cushion businesses in the sector at the recently held 13th Ghana Tourism Awards.
The wards which took place on November 6, 2020 at the National Theatre was organized by the Ghana Tourism Authority to celebrate and honour deserving industry players.
As the fourth highest contributor to GDP in revenue in 2019, the industry which saw a greater boost with the climax of The Year of Return programme, with an 18% growth above global average has been badly hit by Covid-19 this year; with the closure of national borders to tourist and domestic lockdowns. This has necessitated Government’s decision to cushion the industry.
Speaking at the awards ceremony, the sector minister, Hon. Barbara Oteng-Gyasi in her address outlined a number of measures including the disbursement of stimulus packages that are being rolled out. Among others, the package includes 6billion for the bigger businesses and 39million Ghana Cedis to be disbursed to small businesses in the sector; of which 38, 148 applications have been received.
She was positive that these measures will revitalize the industry and sustain businesses, while appealing to them to be innovative, especially during this time of pandemic to ensure a repeat visit from their clients.
The national tourism awards which was celebrated under the theme; ‘Growing Tourism Beyond the Return, Beyond Covid-19’, had 32 competitive award categories and 11 honorary awards for distinguished individuals and entities whose contributions to the growth of tourism in 2019 were outstanding.
The colorful event was graced by the Chief of Staff of the Republic - Hon. Akosua Frema Osei Opare, Daasebre Anyimadu Katamanto II (Kwabenghene/Okyeman Gyaasehene), Hon. Barbara Oteng-Gyasi (Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture), Hon. Dr. Ziblim Barri Iddi (Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture), Mr. Akwasi Agyeman (CEO, Ghana Tourism Authority) among others.
Below is the full list of the categories and awardees;
Accommodation
5 Star – Kempinski Hotel (Gold Coast City), Accra
4 Star – Tang Palace Hotel, Accra
3 Star – Aqua Safari Resort, Ada
2 Star – Grace Garden Hotel, Takoradi
1 Star – Asantewaa Premier Hotel, Kumasi
Guest House – West Wing Guest House, Spintex
Budget Hotel – Almond Tree Guest House, Elmina
Serviced Apartments – Red Mango, Takoradi
Hostel – Banvillas Hostel, Kentinkrono
Consistent Payment of Tourism Levy - White Sands Beach Resort & Spa (Accommodation)
Food & Beverage & Entertainment
Restaurant Grade 1 – Azmera Restaurant, Roman Ridge
Restaurant Grade 2 – Buka Restaurant, Osu
Restaurant Grade 3 – Hot Ernesto Restaurant, Takoradi
Fast Food – Papaye, Spintex Road
Airline Catering Services – Servair, Airport
Drinking Bar – Treasures Pub, Haatso
Traditional Catering – Agbenorxevi Chop Bar, Ho
Night Club/Pub – Crescendo Lounge & Pub, Labone
Consistent Payment of Tourism Levy – Moti Mahal Restaurant, Asokwa (Food & Beverage)
Travel Trade
Tour Operator – Landtours Ghana Limited, Accra
Travel Agent – Satguru Travels, Osu
Car Rentals – Atlas Rent-A-Car, Dansoman
Airline of The Year – Air France – KLM
Site Guide – Robert Morgan Mensah – Cape Coast Castle
Tour Guide – Yao Dzide, Accra
Visitor Attraction – Cape Coast Castle, Cape Coast
Media
Tourism Writer of The Year – Samuel Obeng-Appah, Voyage Afriq
Tourism Broadcast Programme – UTV Heritage Ghana, UTV
Tourism Oriented Media (Television) – TV3
Tourism Oriented Media (Radio) – Okay FM
Tourism Oriented Media (Print) – The Mirror
Tourism Oriented Media (Online) – Voyage Afriq
Honorary Awards
Osabarima Kwesi Atta II – Paramount Chief, Oguaa Traditional Area
Nana Kodwo Kondua VI – Paramount Chief, Edina Traditional Area
Kofi Akpabli – Tourism/Travel Writer
Hon. Mohammed Adjei Sowah – Mayor of Accra
Miss Delphine Brew-Hammond – Miss Tourism Ghana
Sunseekers Travel & Tours
The Adinkra Group, Washington DC
Panafest Foundation – Cape Coast
Diaspora Affairs, Office of The President
Media Majique and Research Systems, Accra
Kids in Tourism
Source: Frederick Polukuu (Real Esatate Times Africa)