Accra, Oct. 17, GNA - Nine Ghanaian hospitality firms were adjudged the best out of 13 award categories at the just ended West African Tourism and Hospitality Awards in Accra.

The maiden ceremony is intended to encourage improved standards in the hospitality industry in the West African sub-region.

Mr Adedayo Adesugba, initiator of the awards pointed out that tourism inflow to the sub-region was too low although the continent boosted of the best tourist attractions.

"We are therefore organising this awards ceremony to recognise those who are raising standards while encouraging others to back up," he said

The Ghanaian firms that won the award included: Labadi Beach hotel, adjudged the best Five Star Hotel in West Africa, Citizen Kofi Entertainment Centre in Accra, took the best Membership Club award as well as the quick Service Restaurant categories, Cook Art Ghana was adjudged the best Tourism Project while its sister company Trafix Catering coveted the quick Service Restaurant Category.

Other awards went to the Holy Trinity Spar at Sogakope in the Volta Region, which was adjudged the best Spar, the Best Travel Agent, went to Land Tours Ghana ltd, while Avis Rent A Car Ghana, won the best car rental category.

Paloma Hotel was named the best budget hotel, while La Palm Beach won the best Conference and Convention Centre.

The other categories won by the Nigerian counterparts were Wavecrest College of Catering and Hospitality Management, which won the best Educational Institution of the Year, Southern Sun, won the best four Star hotel, the best Travel Online Portal went to Holidays and Cash of Lagos Nigeria, while Marmundo Seafoods was named Best Fine Dinning Restaurant.

The Best New Hotel went to Pinacle Royal of Nigeria; Best Boutique Hotel went to Jorany Hotel, Calabar Nigeria, while Eko Tourist Beach in Lagos Nigeria was adjudged the Best Three Star as well as the Best Eco-Friendly categories.

All the winners met at Citizen Kofi Centre on October 16 for a networking session.

The award package also included a heavily discounted ticket from South African Airways, one of the sponsors of the ceremony.