Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) is the government agency responsible for promoting tourism in Ghana. The agency was established in 2011 by the Ghana Tourism Act, which empowers it to regulate and promote tourism activities in the country.
The functions of Ghana Tourism Authority
The GTA has several functions aimed at promoting sustainable tourism development in Ghana. These functions include:
- Regulation of tourism activities: The GTA regulates all tourism-related activities in Ghana to ensure that they comply with international standards and best practices. This includes licensing and inspection of tourism facilities such as hotels, restaurants, and tour operators.
- Promotion of tourism: One of the primary functions of the GTA is to promote tourism in Ghana both locally and internationally.
The agency works closely with other stakeholders such as the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, to develop marketing strategies that showcase Ghana’s unique tourist attractions.
- Product development: The GTA is responsible for developing new tourist products that will attract more visitors to Ghana. This includes identifying new tourist sites and attractions, as well as developing cultural events and festivals that showcase Ghana’s rich cultural heritage.
- Tourism research: The GTA conducts research on various aspects of the tourism industry in Ghana. This includes market research to identify new trends in travel behavior, as well as impact studies to measure the economic benefits of tourism on local communities.
- Sustainable development: The GTA promotes sustainable tourism development in Ghana by encouraging responsible tourism practices that minimize negative impacts on local communities and the environment.
The impact of Ghana Tourism Authority
The work done by the GTA has had a significant impact on the growth of tourism in Ghana. For example, the number of international tourist arrivals in Ghana increased from 1.1 million in 2014 to 1.3 million in 2018. This growth has led to the creation of new jobs and economic opportunities for local communities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Ghana Tourism Authority plays a critical role in promoting tourism development in Ghana. The agency’s functions range from regulating tourism activities to promoting sustainable tourism practices and developing new tourist products. The impact of the GTA’s work is evident in the growth of the tourism industry in Ghana, which has created new jobs and contributed to the country’s economic development.