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Ghana Tourism Development Company Launches Initiatives for Year-Round Tourism

Accra: The Ghana Tourism Development Company (GTDC) is implementing a series of sustainable initiatives to ensure that Ghana remains 'open 24/7', extending beyond the peak tourist season in December. Professor Kobby Mensah, Chief Executive Officer of GTDC, announced these plans during the Amadeus/ASKY Trade Forum held in Accra.

According to Ghana News Agency, one of the key initiatives is the Ghana Tourism Marketplace, a digital platform aimed at integrating all tourism vendors while creating a sustainable database of visitors. Prof. Mensah highlighted the importance of maintaining continuous engagement with tourists, such as informing them of events like a crocodile giving birth in Paga to encourage return visits. This approach is part of a broader strategy to position tourism as a year-round economic driver rather than a seasonal activity.

Prof. Mensah emphasized the need for a coordinated approach among stakeholders, noting that tourism encompasses services ranging from healthcare to telecommunications and financial solutions. The GTDC is also working on diversifying the tourism portfolio with initiatives like Ghana Farm Tours and the Ghana Tourism Investment Platform to attract investment in eco-parks, heritage sites, agritourism, and safari experiences.

Mr. Worlanyo Afadzinu, Ghana Country Manager for ASKY, reiterated the airline's commitment to enhancing knowledge within the aviation and travel industry. He highlighted the sector's need for constant innovation and adaptation, noting the significant role of Amadeus in providing essential travel technology systems. Mr. Afadzinu revealed that ASKY operates about 28 flights weekly into Accra and connects 30 cities across Central and West Africa, further strengthening regional and international connectivity.

The collaboration between Amadeus and ASKY aims to modernize travel services, moving away from traditional booking methods to improve efficiency and revenue for stakeholders. Mr. Afadzinu affirmed ASKY's vision to support Africa's growing travel market by making connectivity more reliable, affordable, and technologically advanced.