The awards ceremony, held in Accra last Friday on the theme: “Advancing the gain of tourism through quality service delivery,” was organised by the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA).
Labadi Beach Hotel emerged as the Five-Star Hotel of the Year, with the Best Western and Atlantic Hotel in Takoradi picking up the Four-Star Hotel of the Year.

The Golden Bean Hotel was awarded the Three-Star Hotel of the Year, while Two-Star Hotel of the Year was to Chrismon Hotel. Aqua Safari Resort was adjudged One-Star hotel of the year.

The Hardings Lodge won the Guest House of the year, while Budget Hotel of the Year was awarded to Green Height Hotel at Ada. The Banivillas Hotel in Kumasi was adjudged the Hotel of the Year.

Catering category

Azmera Restaurant in Accra won the Indigenous Restaurant of the year, while KFC Fast Food chain in Accra was adjudged the Fast Food Establishment of the year.

The Chop Bar of the year went to Bush Kanteen, while the Drinking Bar of the year was picked by Treasures Pub in Accra.
Servair Ghana won the Exemplary Award for airline catering, while Zaina Lodge took the Exemplary Award for EcoTourism Development.

Under the tourism levy category, Movenpick Ambassador Hotel was awarded for consistent payment of tourism levy for accommodation, while Papaye Fast Food was awarded for consistent payment of tourism levy for the restaurant category.

Tour award

Sunseekers Tour was adjudged the Tour Operator of the year, while Satguru Travel and Tour Service Limited was awarded the Travel Agency of the year.

Eurostar Global Limousine won the Car Rental Establishment of the year, while the Site Guide of the year went to Salifu Awewozen at Paga in the Upper East Region.

The Tour Guide of the year went to Mr Aziz Pelpuo, with the Manhyia Palace Museum winning the Visitor Attraction of the year.

The Best Brand in Communication Accessories went to Telefonika, while the Bedding Accessories and the Original Beverage of the Year Award went to Latex Foam and Alomo Bitters, respectively.

Special awards

The Tourism Personality of the year went to Mr Kwame Ansong.

Mr John Bentsifi Dadson won the Tourism Journalist of the Year award.

The Ho Municipal Assembly won the District Support for Tourism Development, while the Yilo Krobo Municipal Assembly took away the District Initiative in Tourism Development.

The Fetu Afahye Festival won the Support for Sustainability of Event Attraction, with the Exemplary Award for Sustainable Eco Tourism going to the Buabeng Fiema Monkey Sanctuary.

Social and economic development

The Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Mrs Elizabeth Ofosu-Agyare, who chaired the function, said tourism had become a major pillar of the economy in the country and was expected to be one of the key drivers of the social and economic transformation through the creation of jobs, foreign exchange receipt, urban regeneration and the stimulation of local manufacturing to meet the diverse needs of the sector.

“The tourism industry is the fastest-growing industry worldwide and requires diligence, professionalism, innovation and creativity to remain above the competition and to satisfy the growing and diverse tastes of clientele who continue to be more and more discerning and sophisticated,” she said.

Congratulations

The Acting Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), Mr Gideon Cyril Aryeequaye, congratulated the award winners and expressed the hope the recognition would spur them on to do even better.

He commended the sponsors, staff and management of the GTA for their efforts, dedication and devotion to make the event fruitful.
On behalf of the award winners, Mr Kwame Ansong expressed appreciation to the organisers for the recognition and gave an assurance that they would continue to contribute to the growth of the industry.