The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has refused to renew the license of 36 accommodation facilities in the Eastern Region due to their failure to meet the standards.
Thus, they have been directed to correct all defects and ensure standards or be closed down permanently.
The Eastern Regional Manager of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Mr Fredrick Adjei-Rudolph, who made this known, said some of facilities offered sub-standard services to their patrons.
He was speaking at the 2019 Eastern Regional Tourism Awards held at Dodi World in Akosombo on the theme: “Growing Tourism beyond the Return.”
About 25 facilities and individuals were awarded in the accommodation, food and beverage, visitor attraction, media and special recognition category.
Winners of the awards included: Royal Senchi Hotel and Resort who received 4-Star Hotel of the Year; 3-star Hotel of the year, Capital View, Koforidua; 2-Star Hotel of the year, Hill Palace Hotel, Aburi ; and One-Star Hotel of the year, Krossova Leisure Centre, Senchi.
Restaurant Grade 1 of the Year and Highway Rest Stop of year went to Linda Dor Restaurant; Restaurant Grade II, Superior Restaurant, Senchi; Pub of the Year, Casa Bar and Grill, Koforidua; Drinking Bar of the Year, Georgia Club, Somanya;
Naa Lamiley Bentil of Daily Graphic received Tourism Correspondent of the Year (Print), Niel Nii Amartey (Electronic) and Peace Fm (Radio).
Mr Adjei-Rudolph stated that it was unfortunate that some facility managers and owners completely disregarded defects pointed out to them yearly but continued to offer sub-standard facilities and poor services to their patrons.
For his part, the Chief Executive Officer of GTA, Mr Akwasi Agyeman noted that 2020 had been a difficult year for most hospitality businesses due to the COVID-19 pandemic but hoped that the last quarter of the year would bring recovery to them.
Nana Ansah Kwao IV, Chief of Akwamu Adumasa who spoke on behalf of the Akwamuhene, Odeneho Kwafo Akoto III commended the government for the “The Year of Return” initiative and urged government to partner brethren from the diaspora to harness the many naturally endowed resources of the country to boost tourism in the country.
FROM AMA TEKYIWAA AMPADU AGYEMAN, AKOSOMBO
