Mrs Elizabeth Ofosu–Adjare, Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, has said the establishment of the National Tourism Awards is to promote quality service delivery and strengthen the country’s image as a tourist destination.

She said the Awards, which was instituted to reward excellence and professionalism in the Ghanaian tourism environment, is also an effort to consolidate the country’s position as an emerging destination in Africa.

Mrs Ofosu-Adjare said this on Monday during the launch of Ghana Tourism Authority's (GTA) 2013 National Tourism Awards in Accra.

The event was on the theme: “Gaining a Competitive Edge through Innovative and Service Excellence”.

Mrs Ofosu-Adjare said the event would provide the platform to recognise stakeholders who have contributed to the growth and development of tourism in the country as well as help in promoting the adoption of best practices in the industry.

Mr Ben Anane Nsiah, Manager of GTA, said the Awards which is slated for December 13, 2013, has been grouped into three categories, which are Personality, Corporate and Practitioners Awards.

He said the Personality Award would focus on people who have contributed to the broad areas of creative arts and sports, the hotel industry, restaurant and travel and tours.

The Corporate Award, he said, would equally recognize institutions who played exemplary roles in the Tourism support services - thus the financial sector, transport providers, event organisers, telecommunication, media, environment, quality assurance etc, would be honored.

Mr Anane Nsiah said the Practitioners Award would also honour and reward institutions like hotels, restaurants, car rental businesses, gaming, cinemas, translation service providers, fashion houses etc.