Bechem (B/A), June 30, GNA- The Tour Operators Union of Ghana is to spend GHC 60,000 in organising an essay competition on domestic tourism for some basic schools in Brong-Ahafo. The competition, which is jointly sponsored by British Always, Gemini Life Insurance and Golden Beach Hotel, would commence on July 10 this year.

Mrs. Stella Apenteng, President of the Union, disclosed this at the launch of the eighth edition of the regional domestic tourism awareness creation at the Institute for the Deaf at Bechem in Tano South District on Monday.

She said the competition would feature 40 students selected from different schools in the Tano South District, including the Institute for the Deaf as well as seven Junior High Schools in Sunyani and Techiman municipalities. The Union President noted that the relevance of tourism to national and individual well-being could not be overemphasized in the globalised world.

"Aside from the leisure aspect of tourism, the educational, economic, inter-cultural exchanges and health benefits of the travel industry continues to give an impetus to our goal of making domestic excursion a reality to young people as possible", Mrs. Apenteng added. She said the Union was convinced that the period of childhood was the appropriate time for "planting seeds that made learning a life-long experience" and stressed the importance to advocate and promote domestic tourism for school children.

"With the vast improvements in safe forms of transportation, road networks that foster swift movements within and between regions and the availability of a variety of budget lodging facilities that suit all, we are confident that children should be encouraged to get to know their country", Mrs. Apenteng stressed.

She underscored the need to provide the younger generation with an avenue for visiting and acquiring understanding and respect for the diversity of the Ghanaian heritage through domestic tourism. Mrs. Apenteng called on the Ghana Education Service to "come out with a policy on domestic tourism in basic and second cycle schools to make education an experimental activity." Rev. Emmanuel Wiseman Kusi, District Director of Education, said tourism played a very crucial role in national development. He advised teachers to encourage their students to develop interest in tourism and participate fully in the competition to polish their writing abilities.

Nana Fosu Gyeabour II, Omanhene of Bechem traditional area who presided, stressed the importance of traditional authorities in helping to protect natural resources, especially tourist sites to enhance eco-tourism. He commended the Union for their efforts in promoting the growth of the tourism industry. 30 June 08