Hoteliers in the Ashanti Region have called for targeted support to maximize the benefits from the newly installed Nana Prempeh I International Airport.
Speaking at a just-ended Hotel Directors Forum in Kumasi on Thursday (8 August), the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the Ghana Hotels Association Mr Ato Mensah highlighted the challenges faced by the hotel industry, especially as the airport begins full operations in September.
“The gestation period for investments in the hotel industry is very long, and currently, the industry is not profitable,” Mensah said. “To capitalize on the expected increase in travellers, we need the Ministry of Tourism to assist us with facilities at the bank, offering very low interest rates.”
The Nana Prempeh I International Airport is anticipated to significantly boost travel to Kumasi, with an estimated additional two thousand travellers expected to visit the region. To accommodate this influx, Mensah emphasized the need for enhanced hospitality infrastructure.
“As the airport starts operating, it will bring more tourists and cabin crew to Kumasi. We must ensure that we have the necessary facilities to host them comfortably,” he noted.
Mr. Akwasi Agyemang, CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) emphasized the critical role of technology and data in the hospitality sector.
He urged hotel operators to adopt data-driven strategies and conduct thorough feasibility studies before investing in new developments.
“A lot of people are building hotels in areas where they might not have conducted any feasibility studies,” Agyemang noted. “We advise engaging with us to think through these decisions carefully.”
He also highlighted the importance of utilizing data to engage customers and improve online presence.
“How many of the operators have websites?” he asked, stressing that technology is essential for business success. “Data and technology are important in this business.”
“We are telling them to beef up their customer service,” he said, reflecting the need for continuous improvement in the industry.
The forum under the theme: “Strategic Investment in the Hospitality Industry (In the Contemporary World)” is aimed to discuss strategic investments in the hospitality industry, focusing on contemporary trends and challenges.
The event brought together stakeholders to share ideas and expertise, ultimately promoting the growth and development of Ghana’s tourism sector.
SOURCE: DAILY MAIL GH
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