On the evening of October 25, 2024, the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) hosted its annual Tourism Awards at the historic Osu Castle Gardens in a night filled with glamour and appreciation for the tourism industry in Ghana. This prestigious ceremony celebrated the remarkable contributions of individuals and institutions that have significantly enhanced the country’s tourism and hospitality sectors. The event gathered key figures from the industry, including government officials like the Minister of Tourism, Arts & Culture, Hon. Andrew Egyapa Mercer, and his Deputy, Hon. Mark Okraku Mantey, as well as members of the GTA Board and the organization’s leadership. Their presence highlighted the collaborative spirit of the stakeholders in attendance, committed to promoting Ghana as a premier travel destination.
The ceremony was presided over by Hon. Florence Oboshie Sai Cofie, serving as the Chairperson, while Togbe Dr. Crystal-Dzirackor, Group Chair of Crystal TV Group, delivered the keynote address as the Guest of Honour. The ambiance of the Osu Castle Gardens provided a beautiful backdrop for an evening that coupled formal accolades with a celebration of Ghana’s rich culture and tourism potential. The GTA awarded a total of 36 honors, which included 26 competitive categories, 8 honorary recognitions, and 2 special awards. This initiative underscores GTA’s vision for enhancing tourism and acknowledges the crucial role played by industry stakeholders in shaping the trajectory of Ghana’s tourism industry.
A diverse range of awards reflected the various sectors of the hospitality landscape, celebrating excellence in accommodation, food and beverage services, travel trade, and digital tourism. For accommodation, the prestigious accolades highlighted top-performing entities in multiple tiers, with Labadi Beach Hotel in Greater Accra taking the title of 5 Star Hotel, while notable entries like The Royal Senchi Hotel and Golden Bean Hotel followed for 4-star and 3-star recognitions respectively. This segmentation emphasized not only luxury but also budget-friendly options, ensuring a wide array of accommodations for travelers visiting Ghana.
In addition to accommodation, the food and beverage sector saw a variety of establishments recognized for their culinary excellence. Categories included a range of restaurants and catering services, with Moka’s Restaurant in Greater Accra earning the top spot. Other noteworthy establishments included The Buka Restaurant and Conemm Catering Services, affirming the vital role of food culture in enhancing the visitor experience in Ghana. Establishments such as God is Love for traditional catering and King David Spot for drinking and nightlife further exemplified the variety of local offerings contributing to tourism in the region.
Notably, the travel trade category featured distinct awards for tour operators, travel agencies, and car rentals, signifying the importance of these entities in facilitating smooth travel experiences for visitors. Ashanti African Tours stood out as the leading tour operator, while Satguru Travel and Tours excelled as a travel agency. The presence of Nii Plants Car Rentals as a top car rental service reinforced the interconnected nature of these services, which collectively enhance the overall travel experience in Ghana. Meanwhile, individuals such as Mr. Fuseni Nawaru, recognized as the best tour guide, indicated the value of personal interactions in the tourism sector, further cultivating positive visitor engagements.
The evening concluded with notable recognitions in categories such as visitor attractions, digital tourism, and sustainability efforts, showcasing a comprehensive range of contributions to the tourism sector. Bisa Aberwa Museum was honored as a premier visitor attraction, while the accolades for digital tourism icons like SDK Dele highlighted the evolving nature of tourism marketing in the digital age. Furthermore, Ebubett Hotel received the sustainability award, reflecting a growing commitment within the industry to embrace environmentally-friendly practices and sustainable tourism development. Through these awards, GTA celebrated not just past achievements but also encouraged continued innovation and excellence in Ghana’s burgeoning tourism landscape.
