Business News of Tuesday, 16 February 2016

Source: B&FT Online

Invest in tourism to save economy

Kwame Ofosu Bamfo,Chairman of Alisa Hotels Kwame Ofosu Bamfo,Chairman of Alisa Hotels

The Chairman of Alisa Hotels and 2015 Best Hotelier award-winner Kwame Ofosu Bamfo has urged business owners in the tourism industry to continually invest in their facilities so as to help speed up Ghana’s tourism development drive.

“If properly packaged and presented, tourism can save Ghana’s economy from the numerous challenges it currently faces, as has happened in many industrialised as well as developing countries,” he pointed out.

Mr. Bamfo, popularly known as Sikkens, made the call after he was honoured by the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) and the Ghana Hotels Association (GHA) at separate events held recently in Accra.

The GHA voted him Hotelier of the Year 2015 at its maiden awards ceremony held in Accra, while the GTA gave him a special award for ‘Outstanding Investment in Tourism, 2015’.

He thanked the two organisations for the honour done him and pledged his commitment to the national effort to develop the tourism industry, and also reiterated his call for innovative ways improving service delivery in the hospitality industry.

“We need to increase the comfort of our guests and also train staff members and expose them to new trends to enable them delight customers and thus encourage repeat visits.”

The citation from the tourism authority stated that: “Mr. Kwame Ofosu Bamfo is a classic example of Ghanaian entrepreneurial acumen, having successfully ventured into the tourism sector in 1999 with the initial construction and operation of the 14-bedroom Alisa Hotel in Labone and later North Ridge, Accra.

“Today, Alisa Hotel is a four-star rated hotel with 267 rooms delivering hospitality services with a touch of elegance and style that makes every Ghanaian proud. For this achievement, the Ghana Tourism Authority is pleased to confer on Mr. Kwame Ofosu Bamfo the Outstanding Investment in Tourism 2015 award,” the GTA noted.

Located in the heart of Ghana’s capital city, Alisa Hotel offers easy access to the commercial district, Accra’s tourist attractions, and is only 15 minutes from the Kotoka International Airport. Set in a serene and cozy neighborhood, the hotel offers a wide range of leisure facilities and is fast becoming Ghana’s conference address.

The hotel has over the years received many awards because it continues to invest in a true evolution, delivering panache and genuine world-class hospitality with a distinctive new rhythm and style.

Its 267 magnificent hotel suites, guestrooms and 12 conference rooms with various capacities demonstrate tasteful design of the finest materials from floor-to-ceiling, showcasing a sophisticated urban feel with plush picturesque views of the capital.