Domestic tourism to increase by 20% annually - Pinto

Accra, May 12, GNA - Mr Godwin Pinto, President of Ghana Association of Travel and Tourist Agents (GATTA) on Friday said the organization has initiated measures to increase domestic tourism by 20 per cent annually through the development and promotion of special events and tour packages.

He said GATTA has therefore; introduced a project dubbed "Golden Face of Ghana" to educate the public about tourism and cultivate the culture of saving for leisure travels among Ghanaians.

The project would select some tourism sites, events and other products that are expressed in the diversity of Ghana's culture, rich history and the natural environment to be enhanced for tourism.

Mr Pinto speaking to the Ghana News Agency in Accra, said the organization would in addition, work with stakeholders in tourism to create wealth by providing appropriate facilities, services and information for a 'rich visitor experience' of selected tourist sites.

"This project is GATTA's humble contribution towards Ghana's major launch pad in 2007 to increase international visitors and tourism receipts."

"Ghana will be celebrating her 50th Independence Anniversary as well as 200 years of abolition of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade in 2007. Series of events would be organised to attract international visitors into the country," Mr Pinto, who is also the Executive Director of Connect World Travel and Tours, added.

He said GATTA was motivated by Government's policy and vision in the establishment of the Ministry of Tourism and Diasporean Relations to make tourism one of the four priority sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, and mining to accelerate reduction of poverty in Ghana. Mr Pinto said GATTA would facilitate the development and promotion of selected products for an initial period of two years under the project to promote safe and responsible international tourism. 12 May 06