When Did Ghana Create Its National Tourism Development Plan?

The Ghanaian Ministry of Tourism, with financial and technical support from UNDP, UNECA, and UNWTO, has developed a successor National Tourism Development Plan (2013-2027) to provide further support for the country’s tourism sector. This plan builds on the success of the first 15-Year National Tourism Development Plan, which was first produced in 1975-1990 with financial support and technical assistance from the Danish government. The Tourism Development Project is currently being implemented by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MoTAC) with funding from the World.

The plan, which takes effect from 2013 to 2027, was designed by a team of local and international consultants to replace the old 15-year national plan. The shift in thought about tourism’s economic role within a country can be traced through the historical eyes of successive national economic development plans.

Ghana first produced a 15-Year Tourism Development Plan (1975-1990) with financial support and technical assistance from the Danish government. The Government of Ghana committed itself to a planned approach to the development of the tourism sector through the implementation of the Integrated Tourism Development Programme, which culminated into the preparation of the 15-Year National Tourism Development Plan (1996-2010).

The National Tourism Development Plan (2013-2027) aims to increase tourism arrivals and improve the country’s economic development. The plan is based on the historical trajectories of development of tourism policy and planning in Ghana using the “Development First” and “Tourism First” frameworks.

When did tourism start to develop?

Tourism is the act of spending time away from home for recreation, relaxation, and pleasure, using commercial services. It originated in western Europe in the 17th century and has traces to Classical antiquity. Tourism follows a “beaten path” and benefits from established systems of provision, insulated from difficulty and danger. It overlaps with other activities, such as pilgrimage, leading to shared categories like business tourism, sports tourism, and medical tourism.

By the early 21st century, international tourism has become one of the world’s most important economic activities, impacting regions from the Arctic to Antarctica. The history of tourism dates back to ancient Greece and Rome, where organized travel with supporting infrastructure, sightseeing, and essential destinations and experiences can be traced. This led to the origins of heritage tourism and beach resorts, with the Seven Wonders of the World becoming tourist sites for Greeks and Romans.

How many types of tourism do we have in Ghana?

Ghana offers a blend of culture, eco-tourism, heritage, beaches, and adventure tourism, with its warm and friendly people making it an attractive destination. Attractions include the Boabeng-Fiema Monkey Sanctuary, home to sacred Mona troops and Black and White Colobus monkeys, and marine turtle nesting beaches in Accra, Ningo, Gomoa-Effutu stretch, Ada Foah, and Axim. Ghana is also rich in bird diversity, with over 700 identified species, attracting numerous ornithologists and birdwatchers annually.

Popular birdwatching locations include coastal and inland wetlands, national parks like Kakum, Ankasa, and Mole. Overall, Ghana is a popular destination for eco-tourists and those interested in community-based eco-tourism projects.

What is the development plan of tourism?

This chapter presents a strategic planning process that engages community members, tourism service providers, and authorities in the development and management of tourism activities. The text underscores the significance of sustainable development in the tourism sector, underscoring the necessity for environmental stewardship to safeguard ecosystems, promote environmental awareness among residents, employees, and tourists.

What is the purpose of the National tourism Development Plan?

The National Tourism Development Plan 2023-2028 aims to create a sustainable, resilient, and competitive Philippine tourism industry based on Filipino culture, heritage, and identity. The Department of Tourism Secretary, Christina Frasco, expressed gratitude to the President for prioritizing tourism in his administration. In 2022, the country recorded 2. 65 million international arrivals, resulting in estimated tourism receipts of PhP1. 784 trillion and 5. 2 million tourism-related jobs for Filipinos.

What are the four contributions of tourism to Ghana development?

The Ghanaian National Democratic Government has identified tourism as a key strategy for enhancing foreign exchange earnings, stimulating economic growth, creating employment opportunities, diversifying exports, and capitalizing on the industry’s potential.

Is Ghana known for tourism?

Ghana is a popular tourist destination known for its diverse attractions and facilities, with four major areas of interest: Culture, History, Ecology, and Recreation. The Ministry of Tourism of Ghana regulates tourism in Ghana. The country’s history dates back to the ancient Ghana Empire, where trade in gold, ivory, salt, and kola nuts created one of Africa’s wealthiest nations. Europeans, drawn by the abundance of land, brought forts and castles along the coast.

Ghana was initially called the “Gold Coast” by early Portuguese explorers in the fifteenth century, referring to the country’s wealth in gold and natural resources. Today, Ghana is a popular destination for travelers due to its diverse attractions and unique features.

What is the national strategy for tourism development?

The Ministry of Tourism has launched the Travel for LiFE Initiative to promote sustainable tourism practices and encourage responsible tourism practices among tourists and businesses. The initiative aims to reduce the consumption of tourism resources and promote responsible tourism. The Ministry has also revamped its Swadesh Darshan scheme to develop sustainable and responsible destinations, focusing on tourism and destination-centric approaches.

These initiatives aim to ensure tourism contributes positively to the economy, safeguards the environment, and benefits local communities, as stated by Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.

When did tourism start in Ghana?

The initial pivotal action undertaken by the Ghanaian government to advance the country’s tourism sector was the comprehensive assessment of its tourism resources, which commenced in 1970, a full 13 years after its independence from South Africa in 1957.

What is tourism development plan?

This chapter presents a strategic planning process that engages community members, tourism service providers, and authorities in the development and management of tourism activities. The text underscores the significance of sustainable development in the tourism sector, underscoring the necessity for environmental stewardship to safeguard ecosystems, promote environmental awareness among residents, employees, and tourists.

What is the National tourism Development Plan 2016?

The National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) for the period 2016-2022 has the objective of establishing a globally competitive, sustainable, and socially responsible tourism industry that fosters inclusive growth, employment, and income distribution, thus laying the foundation for a high standard of living.

What is Ghana ranked in tourism?

In the World Economic Forum’s Travel and Tourism Development Index 2024, Ghana is ranked ninth among the top 10 tourist destinations in Africa. Notably, the highest ranking is in West Africa. The index assesses the capacity of countries to facilitate sustainable growth in the travel and tourism sector, ranking 199 countries. South Africa is the most preferred destination, followed by Mauritius, Botswana, and Kenya.