Kumasi, Aug 9, GNA - The Ghana Tourist Board (GTB) has vowed to close down all sub-standard facilities in the hospitality industry.

Mr Ekow Sampson, Ashanti Regional Manager of the Board, said they were determined to stop hotels and restaurants whose services did not meet the required standards from operating.

Those doing business illegally would also be flushed out.

He was speaking at the opening of the Laposada Royal Hotel at Tafo-Pankrono, a 36-room two-star rated hotel in Kumasi.

Mr Sampson appealed to all tourism-related service providers to maintain high level of professionalism and customer care.

He said tourism continued to be one of the major pillars of the nation's economy and since 2000 it has contributed significantly to the gross domestic product and jobs creation.

International tourist arrivals had been on the increase despite the global economic down turn.

In 2008, 698,069 tourists came into the country and this rose to 802,779, in year 2009.

Mr Samuel Sarpong, Kumasi Metropolitan Chief Executive, said the government had made tourism promotion one of the key areas of its development agenda.

It was for this reason that the GTB would be given every push to carry out its mandate.

Mr Paul Osei-Bediako, owner of the Hotel, said they were going to make a difference in the hospitality industry.

EKB/KOB/DK

09 Aug 10