Sector industries and academia disconnect: The case of tourism development in Ghana

THE disconnect between sector industries and academia is a significant barri­er to the devel­opment of tourism in Ghana. This gap hinders the transfer of innovative ideas and research findings that could be instru­mental in propelling the tourism sector forward. For instance, academic research might reveal insights into tourist behaviour, preferences, or market trends that are not being effectively communicated to or utilised by sector practitioners. Some stud­ies have highlighted issues such as reliance on out-dated colonial frameworks. Other research points to a disparate (un-re­lated) nature of literature on specific tourism sectors with­in Ghana, suggesting a need for more comprehensive and integrated studies. Additionally, assessments of Ghana’s tourism development indicated mixed outcomes, with macro-econom­ic gains not always translating into expected development benefits at local and individual levels. These critiques suggest areas where tourism literature can improve to better support sustainable and inclusive growth in the sector.

Meanwhile, the dichotomy between the sector’s emphasis on immediate, practical out­comes and academia’s inclina­tion toward long-term, theoreti­cal research is a well-recognised contrast in the landscape of knowledge and innovation. While the tourism sector, like any other sector(s), often prioritises quick results that can lead to product development and market competitiveness, academic institutions typically foster an environment where exploratory research and the pursuit of knowledge for its own sake are valued. This fundamental difference can lead to challenges in collaboration, but it also opens opportunities for a symbiotic relationship, where the thoroughness of academic research can inform sector industries practices, and the efficiency-driven approach of the sector can introduce new dynamics into academic explorations.

Similarly, collaborative ef­forts, such as sector-sponsored research, internships, and think tanks, can serve as conduits for knowledge exchange. For instance, emerging research areas in gender-based research agenda on tourism and climate change and tourism gender-sen­sitive value chain analysis can provide valuable information on demographics of the sector’s development and promotion. In the case of the former, understanding and addressing the gender-specific impacts of climate change in the tourism sector is paramount and this will provide evidence-based rec­ommendations for policy-mak­ers and sector stakeholders to develop gender-responsive strategies and ensure men and women can participate in and benefit from sustainable tour­ism practices while setting the stage for more effective action in the nexus of gender, tourism, and climate change. In the case of the latter, there is the estab­lishment of a framework for a comprehensive analysis of the tourism value chain from a gen­der-sensitive perspective. The aim is to identify and address gender-based disparities within the tourism sector and ensure equitable participation and ben­efits for all stakeholders.This gender-sensitive value chain analysis will serve as a vital tool for transforming the tourism sector into a more inclusive and equitable space. By recognising and rectifying gender imbalanc­es, the full potential of tourism can be un-locked and catalyse sustainable development.

By aligning the objectives and strategies of the tourism sector and academia, Ghana can unlock the full potential of her tourism sector, which is vital for national development and economic diversification. The integration of academic research into sector practice will also improve the competitive­ness of Ghana’s destinationand ensure its sustainability and resilience in the face of global challenges.

The writer is the Acting Director, Policy Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation

Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture

BY DR ALPHONSE KUMAZA