Tourism Minister-designate calls for collaboration to address high hotel rates, infrastructure gaps

Minister-designate for Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts, Dzifa Gomashie, has expressed concern over the high cost of hotel accommodation in Ghana and the inadequate infrastructure to support the nation’s growing tourism demands.

During her vetting on Wednesday, January 22, she noted that even international hotel franchises operating in Ghana tend to charge higher rates compared to their counterparts in other countries, a situation she described as detrimental to the country’s competitiveness as a tourist destination.

“This is an unending discussion, especially where hotel rates are concerned. Even hotels that have franchises in other countries tend to be very high, comparatively,” she stated.

Madam Gomashie highlighted the urgent need to improve infrastructure to meet global tourism standards, acknowledging that the lack of adequate facilities impacts the nation’s ability to generate revenue.

She called for collaborative efforts to address the issue, encouraging both local and international private sector stakeholders to invest in the country’s infrastructure.

“Apart from engaging with the Minister of Finance, I think that everybody and anyone listening to me who is willing to engage with the private sector in Ghana or out of Ghana to ensure that we improve on our infrastructure capacities, you’re welcome to engage me after the vetting,” she said.

Gomashie emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to resolving these challenges, noting that the absence of adequate facilities undermines the country’s potential to generate revenue through tourism.

Source: myjoyonline.com