Accra, July 12, GNA - Mr. Joe Baidoe-Ansah, Deputy Minister of Tourism and Diasporean Relations on Wednesday suggested upgrading of tourist sites as a practical means to get more money for the running of the industry.

He explained that upgraded tourist sites were likely to receive large patronage by both international and domestic tourists. Mr Baidoe-Ansah made the suggestion when he visited departments and agencies under the ministry to have first hand information on their roles, responsibilities and challenges.

The Deputy Minister visited the Ghana Tourists Board (GTB), The Ghana Tourism Development Company (GTDC) and the Hotel, Catering and Tourism Training Institute (HOTCATT) to meet with the staff and discuss best ways to develop the tourism industry.

He challenged the Management of GTDC to run the organization as a business to enable them have sufficient funds for themselves as well as the industry and pledge government's support for the organization. At HOTCATT, Mr Baidoe-Ansah said the training of professionals in the hospitality industry was crucial to the development of the industry and commended HOTCATT for the role in training professionals especially in the catering industry.

The Deputy Minister said local dishes also needed to be promoted in the first class hotels and restaurants to help in marketing Ghanaian cuisine.

Mr Baidoe-Ansah expressed gratitude to the management of HOTCATT for sharing information on the catering industry and said he hoped the dialogue between him and the institution would develop to enable quality output in the industry.

Ms Fati Dakobu, Director of HOTCATT expressed hope that the Minister would give then continual support.