The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts (MOTCCA) is constructing seven receptive facilities at Salaga, Gwollu, Axim, Kpetoe, Agogo, Saltpond and Wli to enhance tourist visitations.

Mrs. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, Minister of MOTCCA, who announced this on Thursday at a meet-The-Press series in Accra, said the project, which is part of product development, aimed at promoting livelihood opportunities for the local people and increase investment in tourism-related small and medium enterprises.

She said plans are advanced to source for Turkish Exim Bank facility for the construction of a multi-purpose theatre, shopping mall and hotel in Kumasi.

The project, she said, is expected to create an estimated 1,500 jobs for construction workers and additional 5,000 direct and indirect jobs when operational.

Mrs. Ofosu-Adjare noted that the Ministry had been realigned to enable the sector to execute effectively its responsibilities for socio-economic growth and development.

“We are also restructuring Ghana Tourism Authority to promote and sustain the development of domestic and international tourism.

“Hotel Catering and tourism Training Centre is also under restructuring to enhance skills and competencies of the hospitality providers to improve on quality service delivery,” she added.

She said for the first time the Ministry is providing a “one-stop shop” in an Accra Visitor Information Centre to service the information needs of tourists and the public.

The minister announced that they had concluded preparations for the 9th Paragliding festival to take off on Friday, April 18.

Mrs. Ofosu-Adjare said for this year the event would cover a period of five days to expand access to gliding.

She stated that, for now, the Ministry’s focus is not to make profit through paragliding, but to promote the private sector to maximise profit, as well as promote domestic tourism.