The Tema Regional Office of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) on Friday celebrated and awarded deserving players and heroes in the industry within its enclave.
Held on the theme: “Celebrating innovation and recognising excellence”, 21 awardees received plaques and citations in different categories for their excellence.
The atmosphere at the event ground at Alisa Hotel, Tema, was that of excitement and pomp amidst sweet melodies as awardees stepped up to receive their awards.
Welcoming guests, the acting Tema Regional Director, Gifty Offeibea Senanu, said this year’s event was to celebrate innovation and recognise outstanding achievements that continue to propel the country’s tourism sector to greater heights.
“We are not only celebrating the exceptional contributions of individuals and businesses but also reflecting the importance of innovation and excellence as key drivers of our industry’s success,” explaining that, innovation has been the heartbeat of any thriving industry.
“In tourism, it is innovation that allows us to create unforgettable experiences, adapt to changing trends and meet the expectations of both domestic and international tourists,” she added.
According to Mrs Senanu, Ghana has been blessed with rich heritage, natural beauty, and warm hospitality. “But it is innovation that transforms these blessings into world class attraction.
She said with the advent of digital platforms that promote destinations to the creative ways in which tour operators, hotels, and restaurants have adapted to changing times, it was clear that the future of Ghana’s tourism rested in the hands of those who dare to innovate.
She noted that excellence however, goes beyond innovation saying that “it was about consistency, quality and the desire to exceed expectation.”
According to Mrs Senanu every nominee and winner for the 2024 awards had demonstrated not only the ability to innovate but also the unwavering commitment to delivering the highest standards in service, experience and value to their clients.
Mrs Roberta Mprah, Director of Product Development and Investment of GTA, reading a speech on behalf of the Chief Executive, Mr Akwasi Agyeman, said the theme was a call to action – a reminder that our industry’s growth and success depend on our ability to innovate, adapt and strive for excellence.
She added that the regional awards had evolved over the years, reflecting the growth and transformation of the country’s tourism industry.
“The awards, therefore remind us that tourism has become a multi-stakeholder enterprise requiring the full commitment of all stakeholders to ensure a truly vibrant tourism destination,” she stated.
Nii Armarh Somponu II, Shippi and stool father of the Tema Traditional Council, who chaired the event urged GTA to identify more tourist sites in the enclave and promote them to made Tema a tourism hub in the world.
The top award was received by Alisa Hotel, Community 12, Tema, for the Best Four Star Hotel; Aqua Resort, Best Three Star Hotel; Heartland Hotel, Ada, Best Two Star; Selwilliam Hotel, Best One Star and Righjoy Lodge, Best Guest House of the year.
Others are Fort Greet Hotel, winning Budget Hotel of the year; Dynasty De Lacasa, Best Service Apartment; De Blays, Best Hotel of the year; Dynasty De Lacasa, for Consistent Payment of Tourism (Accommodation) and IKE City Hotel received an Honorary Award.
In the eateries category, Noble House Restaurant won the Restaurant Grade One; KAS Valleyz Restaurant, Grade Two; 2 point 1 Tavern, Restaurant Grade Three; KFC food Joint (Spintex), Best Food Joint ; DA BIGGIES picked best Traditional Caterers and Passion Drinking Bar, Best Drinking Bar.
In other categories, ENICO Car Rentals took home the Best Car Rental Award; TN Delfah Travel and Tours won the (NON- JATA) award; Satgura Travel and Tours also won the best Travel and Tour (JATA) award and Passions Night Club picked up the Best Night Club award.
Meanwhile, a minute’s silence was observed for George Nkrumah Ansere, Tema Regional Director of GTA, whose sudden death occurred barely three days before the event.
FROM IAN MOTEY, TEMA