The Ghana Tourism Federation (GHATOF), an umbrella organization of 14 trade associations in the tourism industry, officially opened a secretariat where members could meet and share vital information about the tourism industry.
The secretariat located in the same building with the Hotel Catering and Tourism Training Institute (HOTCATT), was established with support from JICA, the Ministry of Tourism and Diasporan Relations and individuals in the industry as part of the public-private partnership programme the sector has embarked on.
Mrs Oboshie Sai-Cofie, Sector Minister, opening the secretariat, noted that the establishment of the secretariat confirmed the recognition government attached to partnership between the private sector and the public sector in developing the tourism potential of the country.
"It is also to establish the fact that government and the private sector can work closely together in the development of the industry to favourably compete on the international scene," she said.
The Minister said tourism was the single most important income earning industry and it would continue to be so for many, many years to come, and urged GHATOF to renew and enhance its drive in the sector's development activities and promotion.
"Promote Ghana not only as an ideal investment location but also an exciting vacation destination for foreigners and our people," she said.
Mrs Sai-Cofie urged sub-associations under GHATOF to strengthen their individual capacities and help improve performance in the industry.
Mr Martin Mireku, Executive Director of the Ghana Tourist Board, noted that it was gratifying that GHATOF now had a permanent secretariat and expressed the hope that the relationship between the board and the private sector would be strengthened.
He pledged the Board's continued support for the private sector and said he hoped that together they would ensure that Ghana became the preferred tourism destination in the world.
Mr Dunwell Eku, Acting Director for Speed Ghana, a support programme for enterprise empowerment, said the organization believed that GHATOF was a capable partner in enterprise development.
Ms Mawuko Fumey, Tourism Adviser at SNV, the Netherlands Development Organization, noted that the tourism sector was driven by the private sector and said with the establishment of a secretariat he hoped Ghana would see a more vibrant tourism private sector.
Mrs Stella Appenteng, President of GHATOF, expressed gratitude to various individuals including Mrs Bridget Katsriku, Chief Director at the Ministry, for the personal commitment she showed when they needed an office.
She expressed the belief that the secretariat would help nurture individual members of the association to grow their businesses and contribute to the growth of the tourism industry.