Accra, Aug 3, GNA- Thirty-two tourism enterprise, corporate bodies and individuals were awarded for their contribution towards the promotion of tourism in Ghana, at the Eighth Tourism Awards in Accra on Saturday.

Mr Martin Mireku, Acting Executive Director of Ghana Tourist Board, said the award winners selected from the ten regions of the county have created awareness of the country's tourism and its contribution towards economic development. He said the biennial event, which represented the highest accolade for hospitality service providers, sought to reward excellence, enhance competition and promote Ghana as a top class tourist destination in Africa.

Mr Kofi Osei Ameyaw, Deputy Minister of Tourism and Diasporan Relations, said the Ministry was in discussion with the Ghana Institute of Management Studies and Public Administration to absorb and upgrade the Hotel Catering and Tourism Industry Training Institute (HOTCATT). He explained that this would enable HOTCATT to play its role of improving human resource capacity in both the formal and informal sectors. Mr Ameyaw said the move was aimed at improving customer service in the tourism industry and making Ghana the preferred destination for tourists. He called on the Ghana Standards Board to ensure good quality service for tourists.

Accommodation establishment for three-star hotels was won by Fiester Hotel in Accra, accommodation establishment for two-star hotels was won by Chance Hotel, Ho, and accommodation establishment for one-star hotels, was won by Axim Beach Hotel. Guest House of the year award went to Villa Victoria, Accra, whiles Budget hotel of the year was taken by In-Service Training Centre Wa. Under the culinary services category, Kyidom Restaurant at Nkawkaw was adjudged restaurant of the year grade three, restaurant of the year grade two award went to Linda D'or Restaurant at Bunsu and restaurant of the year grade one award was taken by Moti Mahal Restaurant in Kumasi. Car Rental Service of the year was awarded to Alamo Car Rentals, Kumasi, Travel Agency of the year went to Journeymax Executive Travel and Tours, Accra.

Tourism retail outlet of the year award went to Aid to Artisans Ghana, Kumasi, Tamale was adjudged cleanest town of the year, tour guide of the year award went to Felix Nguah from Elmina, Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park in Accra was adjudged attraction site of the year, while Night Club of the year went to Afrodisiac Night Club in Accra. Ms Hannah Asomaning a journalist at the Ghana News Agency was received the dedicated reportage on tourism of the year award while Mr Kingsley Hope of Ghanaian Times became tourism journalist of the year.