Ghana Tourism Authority seeks stronger regulation of events industry

The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) is actively working to elevate the country's events and tourism sector through proposed new regulations and the introduction of a digital information system. Stakeholder consultations are underway for draft regulations designed to strengthen industry standards, professionalism, and quality assurance.

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The regulations would strengthen industry standards, improve professionalism, enhance customer confidence, ensure quality assurance and create a fair operating environment for businesses within the tourism sector.

According to GTA CEO Mrs. Maame Efua Houadjeto, the new regulatory framework, coupled with the Ghana Tourism Information System (GTIS), is intended to improve compliance, boost consumer confidence, and foster a more transparent and equitable operating environment for businesses. The GTIS will create a reliable national database of tourism enterprises, aiding service delivery, policy-making, and investment promotion.

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The GTIS would provide the Authority with a credible national database of tourism enterprises to improve service delivery, strengthen regulatory compliance, support evidence based policymaking and provide reliable data for investment promotion.

These efforts directly support President John Dramani Mahama's vision of making tourism a primary engine for economic transformation. They also complement the government's '24-hour economy' policy and the 'Black Star Experience' initiative, which aims to leverage entertainment, culture, hospitality, and tourism for economic growth. A well-regulated industry, supported by robust digital infrastructure, is expected to attract investment, enhance visitor experiences, create youth employment, and increase foreign exchange earnings.

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The rapid growth of event centres, conference facilities and event related businesses had made it necessary to establish a modern regulatory framework to improve professionalism, safety and service quality.

Deputy CEO Mr. Ekow Sampson emphasized the necessity of modern regulations given the rapid growth in event centers and related businesses. The proposed rules aim to protect consumers, improve compliance, and enhance the competitiveness of Ghana's tourism and events industry. The GTIS is also expected to streamline business registration and licensing processes, facilitate online applications, and improve monitoring efficiency.

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The proposed regulations would protect consumers, strengthen compliance and improve the competitiveness of Ghana’s tourism and events industry.