Ghana Hotels Association Directors Convene for Inaugural Forum in Bolgatanga.

Bolgatanga: A maiden forum of Directors of the Ghana Hotels Association (GHA) in the Upper East Region has taken place in Bolgatanga, focusing on the expanding hospitality industry. The forum aimed to evaluate key areas such as facilities, customer care, and housekeeping, as the association prepares for 2025.According to Ghana News Agency, the meeting attracted Regional Directors and was attended by Mrs. Egi Gaisie, an industry consultant and facilitator, along with the Director of Training/Managing Consultant from Reception Academy, Ghana. The theme of the forum was 'Keeping abreast with trends in hotel operations for sustained profitability.' Participants were educated on hotel and lodging operations, best practices for small hotels, and accountable hotel management operations.Mr. Louis Tindaan, Regional Chairman of the GHA, expressed gratitude to members for their excellent performance, highlighting those who received awards at this year's Tourism Awards. He emphasized the significant role the hotel in dustry plays in the tourism sector's development, noting the employment opportunities and revenue contributions to the government.Mr. Tindaan stated that the association has been instrumental in shaping the growth and protection of member investments over the years. It has become a dependable partner to collaborating bodies such as the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), Ghana National Fire Service, Environmental Protection Agency, and sponsors like the State Insurance Company (SIC), Assemblies, DSTV, and Ash Foam.He also mentioned that the Upper East Region is poised for growth, particularly with the anticipated completion of the region's airport. He appealed for peace, especially in Bawku, stressing that insecurity impacts the perception of the hospitality industry by tourists.As the association looks forward to its 15th anniversary in 2025, Mr. Tindaan invited more stakeholders to join the association. Mr. Wisdom Ahiadzi, Director of the Ghana Tourism Authority, emphasized the need for high-standard attr actions to boost tourism. He mentioned ongoing improvements at sites like the Pikworo slave camp and the Zinga crocodile pond to attract more visitors.Mr. Ahiadzi highlighted the importance of cultural presentations through festivals and other methods as part of the GTA's mandate. He encouraged stakeholders to maintain standards to stay competitive and mentioned that education would help members enhance their services.Mr. Robert Ajene, a member of the association, remarked that the forum, being the first of its kind, reflects the efforts hoteliers are making to serve the country.