The Tourism sector contributed over $1.8 billion to the economy, an equivalent of 6.2 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) last year.

In addition, the sector played a critical role in the conservation of the environment and cultural heritage.

“Given the needed priority attention and capital injection, tourism can become the number one and the most sustainable foreign exchange earner for the country, from its current fourth place after gold, cocoa, and foreign remittances,“ a statement issued in Accra on Tuesday said.

Prince Boakye-Boateng, Director of Public Relations, Ministry of Tourism issued the statement in connection with the celebration of World Tourism Day 2011 at the Tafi-Atome Monkey Sanctuary.

The United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) has set aside September 27, each year to commemorate World Tourism Day throughout the world.

This year’s event is on the theme: “Tourism: Linking Cultures”, an indication of the symbiotic relationship between tourism and culture, and how tourism could be used as a vehicle to promote peaceful coexistence and mutual trust among people with diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds and orientations.

In Ghana, regional celebrations will be held nationwide, with the national event taking place at the Tafi-Atome Monkey Sanctuary in the Hohoe Municipality of the Volta Region.

Highlights of the celebrations include a tour of tourist sites within the Kpando and Hohoe circuit on Saturday, September 24, climaxing with a grand durbar at Tafi-Atome on Tuesday, September 27.

Side attractions include a traditional gastronomy (food fair), arts and crafts exhibition, and cultural performances to showcase the unique cultural heritage of the Ghana.

The statement invited Ghanaians, especially policy makers, stakeholders in the industry, and potential investors to take part in the celebrations so as to appreciate the potential benefits of the sector to the national economy.

The Ministry appealed to corporate institutions and individuals to support the event and expressed appreciation to rLG Communications, Kasapreko Company, Golden Tulip, Valley Pallacio (Peki), and Grand View Hotel, the Hohoe Municipal Assembly and Kpando District Assembly for their sponsorship towards the celebrations.