Agona Swedru (C/R), Mar 5, GNA - Mr. Paul Nkansah, Central Regional Director of the Ghana Tourists Board (GTB), on Thursday stressed the need to discourage local communities from begging for alms from visitors at tourism attractions, especially the Elmina and Cape Coast Castles.

According to him if the issue were not addressed as soon as possible, the aim of promoting the region's tourism potentials would be in vain since most tourists could divert their route as a result of such harassments.

Mr. Nkansah speaking to the GNA at Agona Swedru, however, noted that the Ministry of Tourism and Modernisation of the Capital City, in its effort to increase the number of visitors into the country, has started putting up and upgrading facilities at tourism attractions in the region.

He appealed to Churches, benevolent societies, communities and especially schools to form Tourism Clubs to give their members the opportunity to visit tourist attractions to promote domestic tourism. Mr Nkansah commended some districts in the region for their efforts in helping to develop the tourism potentials of the area.

He said that the Regional Office of the GTB has embarked on an inspection and registration of all drinking and chop bars to ensure good hygienic practices and to maintain standards.

Mr. Nkansah said that the Board would organise workshops and training programmes for personnel in the sector to upgrade their knowledge.