Media mogul Gilbert Abeiku Aggrey was announced Tourism ambassador Tuesday morning at an event held at Coconut Grove Regency Hotel in Accra by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture & Creative Arts. The Okay Drive Time host in a speech has laid down his plans to help promote tourism in the country.

Dear All

I would like to thank the Minister of Tourism, Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu Agyare, for the honour done me. I see this as a challenge and an opportunity to help raise awareness and conscientise the public about the need for us to understand what tourism means. I believe tourism goes beyond our hotels and beaches and there is more we can do.

My plan for tourism is outlined in 3 forms: Taxi drivers, Media and the hospitality industry.

TAXI DRIVERS

Taxi drivers are the first ambassadors of every destination. They must be aware of the unique attractions in the various communities and guide tourists to such destinations. They must be engaged, informed and trained to be ambassadors. They are the go to persons for foreigners on currency exchange, food, shopping etc and must be knowledgeable in the field. Business cards will be a must for every taxi driver to have and issue out to customers.

SUPPORT FROM COLLEAGUES IN THE MEDIA.

Ghana is better position as compared to Liberia, Senegal, Cote D’Ivoire and other West African countries when it comes to tourism. The media can do better to promote Ghana on all media platforms especially social media, which can attract various events such as International conferences into the country.

They must understand their role in promoting Ghana as a peaceful country and the right destination for tourists.

Tourism when paid more attention to will be the largest employer and revenue-generating sector of our economy. It plays an integral role in all disciplines; education, health, business, sports and arts to mention a few.

HOTELS, RESTAURANTS AND CHOPBARS.

The dilemma of every hospitality industry is the sustainability of customers. Waiters and waitresses must be educated and trained on how to sustain customers, as they are the value chain of tourism. The more customer satisfaction you have the better your chances of maintaining an attractive business.

Having said the above, I would like to express my profound appreciation to Madam Nancy Sam for her immense support.

Department of Tourism at University of Cape Coast, faculty of Social Science, despite group of companies, Kenya Tourism board, Zambia tourism board, Zimbabwe tourism board, South African Tourism board, friends and family who have engaged me in destination management and promotions.

Regards,

Abeiku Aggrey Santana

Tourism Ambassador, Ghana

Twitter : @Abeikusantana

Instagram : @Abeikusantana