UE/R :The hospitality and tourism industry remains and important sector of our economy – Upper East Regional Minister.

By Raymond Wegwi

The Upper East Regional Minister, Alhajj Dr.Hafiz Bin Salih made this observation as a guest of honor at this year’s 2024 tourism awards night in Bolgatanga ,organized by the Upper East Regional Tourism Authority , with the theme ‘Celebrating Innovation and Recognizing Excellence in Ghana Tourism Sector’ to acknowledge the remarkable contribution of individuals Organizations ,Companies and stakeholders. According to him, the hospitality and tourism industry remains and important sector of our economy as it’s provides countless opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship and accounts for a significant portion of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and has over the years become a hub for a growth with so much significance ,that it must be recognized, adding that the region is treasured truth of culture, history ,natural beauty, and their unwavering commitment to showcase those unique cultural heritage and experiences draws investors from afar and foster a sense of pride and set us apart

As government he said, their philosophy is, the private sector is the engine of growth, and would continuously create the enabling environment to maintain law and order and provide a sound policies and regulations to boost private sector and, indeed make it the engine for development hence the will require the support and collaboration of all stakeholders as the industry thrive on collaboration and partnership. He therefore used the platform to urged them to strengthen their alliances and share best practices to elevate the region as a premier destination for tourism.

Alhajj Dr. Hafiz Bin Salih, was quick to add that nowithstanding the prospects of the tourism industry, it has become a place of attraction and soft spots for collusion and commissioning of all sorts of crimes particularly cybercrimes, human trafficking, theft and robberies as criminals take undue advantage of privacy and serene nature of their facilities and therefore urged Managers and staff of the industry to put in place appreciate security measures to continuously ensure  the safety of their clients and also educate their employees and collaborate with the security agencies to help check these menaces.  On the 2024 general elections, the minister called for peace before during and after the election and assured Ghanaians that, the government will provide all the necessary logistics to the Electoral Commission to enable them conduct the election free,fair and transparent manner to engender peace and unity in Ghana.

The Chairman of the occation, Prof. Albert Logoterah, underscore that, the Upper East Region offers unique experiences that captivates the hearts of visitors and described the awardees as the true ambassadors of our rich cultural heritage and natural wonders. For the future, he said the should remember that the source of our tourism industry hinges in our ability to adopt and innovates in this digital age and bracing technology and sustainable practices is crucial. He called for continue  investment in our infrastructure and enhance our services and promotion of our unique attractions including our traditional food ,music and dance, festivals, arts and crafts, historic sites and architecture, our folklore and story telling etc to ensure that the region is remains a top destination for tourists . In all about 22 individuals and institutions were awarded in four categories, Accomodation, Catering, Travel and Tour and Media.