Hoteliers discuss problems facing industry

Techiman (B/A) Nov. 25, GNA - Mr. Joseph Appiagyei, Brong Ahafo Regional Senior Resource Officer of Ghana Tourist Board, has called on proprietors to keep the premises of hotels to conform with ECOWAS regulations. He said Ghana was expected to host about one million tourists by 2007, the target set by the Ministry of Tourism and Modernization of the Capital City.

Mr. Appiagyei was addressing a meeting of Techiman zonal branch of Hoteliers Association in Techiman to discuss solutions to pertinent problems in the industry and taxation.

He said it was important for hotels in the country to be guided by the laid-down regulations of the Ministry, which expected hoteliers to upgrade their units towards CAN 2008 to promote tourism.

Mr. Philip Kofi Ntiamoah, Zonal chairman of Association appealed to Techiman Municipal Assembly to involve the association in their annual fee-fixing resolutions.

"In as much as the association cherishes the developmental agenda of the Assembly, it would be appropriate to involve it so its members can afford paying the levies", he explained.

Mr. Emmanuel Gyabaa, Managing director of Techiman Relax Hotel appealed to all hotel proprietors to join the Association. Mr. Joseph Jerwere, Secretary and Manager of Agyeiwaa Hotel, said the Association in collaboration with the Ghana Tourist Board would fish out operators of illegal guesthouses and hotels.

Mr. Emmanuel Owusu, Managing Director of Ebenezer Hotel, asked members of the association to concentrate less on funerals involving members and focus on the growth of the organisation.