The Ashanti Regional Manager of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Mr. Ekow Sampson, has said the tourism award has contributed significantly to enhancing standards of facilities and services in the region.

He said that the tourism awards ceremony, initiated to encourage pursuit of excellence by players in the industry, has remarkably deepened the standards and quality of services provided by hotels, restaurants, car rental establishments among others in the tourism industry.

He disclosed that the number of facilities and service providers has tremendously increased over the past 19 years. Out of the one hundred and eleven units of hotels that existed in the region in 1995, an additional 392 have been added to make the total number 503.

He said this represents a 453% growth rate of hotels with a corresponding number of rooms to 7,938 from 1,711 in 1995 to date.

Mr. Ekow Sampson, who was speaking at the 9th Ashanti Regional Tourism Awards ceremony in Kumasi, used the occasion to express appreciation to entrepreneurs in the tourism sector for their unalloyed commitment to investment, development and promotion of the hospitality industry.

For instance the Kumasi Zoo, which until recently was not well-patronised, recorded a steady increase in domestic tourist arrivals. It recorded 67,544 visits in 2013, resulting in revenue accrual of GH?137,101.

According to him, his outfit facilitated tours for 43 groups representing 4,149 people to 14 tourist sites in the country in 2012, and 78 groups to 53 tourist sites in 2013.

Given the huge economic benefits and the unity tourism activities creates, he appealed to stakeholders to keenly participate in responding to the growing demand and promotion of domestic tourism.

He challenged all award winners on the night not to be complacent but rather strive for greater heights in all their endeavours.

“Greater reward comes through hard work and diligence. Let this award therefore spur you on to greater heights, he said.”

Mr. Sampson expressed delight at the efforts of the Board of Directors and Directorate of the Ghana Tourism Authority led by Mr. Charles Osei Bonsu, making the awards ceremony possible despite being suspended for six years due to logistical challenges.

Thirty-two operators including some corporate institutions, and entrepreneurs in the tourism industry were honored for their outstanding contributions and excellent services which are leading to growth of the tourism sector in the region.

This year’s award ceremony was organised under the theme “Harnessing Our Tourism Resources for National Development”.

Some of the award-winners were Golden Tulip Kumasi City, which won the overall award for the “Hotel of the Year, 4-star”; while Anita Hotel at Ejisu took away “Hotel of the Year, 3-star”.

Excelsa Lodge at Adako-Jachie won the “Hotel of the Year, 2-star” while Kusibo Hotel, at Agogo took away the “Hotel of the Year, 1-star” award.

Dr. David Gyekye MacHarrison of Miklin Hotel in Kumasi was awarded as a “Supporter of Tourism Activities” along with other persons.

Stephen Asante of the Ghana News Agency won the “Tourism Writer of the Year” award, while Multi Media Group Limited was awarded the “Tourism-oriented Media of the Year” with the Best Car Rental of the Year going to St Michael Car Rental at the Kumasi Airport.

All the award-winners were given Certificates of Excellence and various citations to accompany the certificate.