Hoteliers urged to make tourism viable sector

Mr Ebenezer Hammond, Western Regional Manager of the Ghana Tourists Board (GTB), has called on the members Ghana Hotels Association to support the promotion of tourism, which is a critical sector to Ghana’s development.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the second National Executive Council meeting of the Ghana Hotels Association at Takoradi on Thursday, he said effective collaboration between the Association and the GTB would help to make tourism one of the fastest growing sectors.

The meeting was under theme: “Training and Retaining the current Generation of Hotel Employees”.

Mr Hammond said the GTB was prepared to continue to partner the Association to further improve service delivery in hotels in the country.

He said GTB had lined up training programmes for members of the Association and individual hotels, and however expressed regret that some hoteliers did not fully appreciate the work of the Board.

He urged the leadership of the Association to form a strong and vibrant lobby group to enable it to face the challenges confronting the industry.

Mr Herbert Acquaye, National President of the Association, said national executive council meetings were held four times in a year for dialogue on issues affecting the about 1,500 members.

He said the Association was planning to institute an awards scheme in 2012 to recognize and reward its members and personnel in the industry for innovation and superior performance in service delivery.

Mr Acquaye said the Association would also conduct research to enable it to provide salary guide for the various categories of staff at hotels to help to bridge the disparities in remuneration in the industry.

Mr Acquaye asked members to create improved workplace policies and practices to enhance interaction and understanding between proprietors, management and staff of hotels.

Mr Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, Member of Parliament for Takoradi presided over the meeting.

Source: GNA