Mrs Araba Aikins Dodoo, Sales and Marketing Manager, Zaina Lodge has noted that the United Nations World Tourism Organisation regional conference was an opportunity to acquire information to promote growth and development of the tourism industry.

Ecolodge Mole Operating Company Limited, operators of Zaina Lodge at the Mole National Park, participated in the conference, held in Accra last week, to meet players in the industry for possible partnership to enhance domestic tourism.

The conference on the theme: "Enhancing Brand Africa-Fostering Tourism Development," was to explore how African destinations could successfully build a strong brand in an increasingly competitive marketplace and the constantly changing business environment.

It was also to create synergies among African countries towards greater cooperation in the promotion and positioning of a common African tourism brand.

Areas of discussion during the conference include positioning and branding, e-communications, media relations, crisis communications, public-private partnership and resources and capacity building.

The conference brought together a number of tourism Ministers to set a common action plan to advance African's image and brand as a tourism destination.

Mrs Dodoo said that the company decided to participate because it was an ideal platform to interact with the business community and also check and evaluate competition in the tourism sector.

She said the company was also participating, because of the strong brand building and networking environment the conference offered.

“As a company we believe in conservation, involving the community, promoting the local culture and the provision of high end eco-tourism accommodation services,” she added.

“We seek to accomplish, this goal through the provision of high-end tourism and accommodation services in selected rural destinations throughout Ghana,” she said.

Mrs Dodoo commended the “Explore Ghana” project by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts’ to promote domestic tourism.

She said Zaina Lodge was changing the face of tourism in the country by offering a new chapter of hospitality, where they provide unique opportunity for tourists to encounter elephants and other big game on foot and up close. They offer two styles of safari; Driving and walking Safari.

The 25-room lodge is being constructed in two phases, 17 of the planned 25 luxury tent suites would open this year, along with a central dining facility, bar and a swimming pool.