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Press Release – GTA Accra City Tour Coach Begins Operations
AUGUST 22, 2021, ACCRA
GTA ACCRA CITY TOUR COACH BEGINS OPERATIONS
The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) is collaborating with the Tour Operators Union of Ghana (TOUGHA) to package City Tours using the Double Decker City Tour Coach for the general public. The tour begins every day from the Accra Tourist Information Centre (ATIC) through the approved routes and back.
The Double Decker Coach, aka (Aunty Deede) which was out-doored during the launch of the Domestic and Regional Tourism Campaign to promote domestic tourism, is opened to the general public from Monday to Sunday at 9am – 11am and 1pm – 3pm at the following rates:
- Adult – GH¢ 60.00
- SHS/Tertiary – GH¢ 30.00
- Basic students – GH¢ 20.00
- Hiring – GH¢ 3000.00 every two hours on the approved routes.
payments can be made through GTA Merchant Number: 607442
This is part of the numerous initiatives such as See Ghana, Eat Ghana, Wear Ghana, Feel Ghana, Stay home know Ghana, Ghana Gurus E-Learning platform, Stay Home Discover Ghana and Travel, See, Snap and Win Campaigns that has been put together by the Ghana Tourism Authority to promote domestic tourism, through culture and creative arts.
A promotional tour was organised with media practitioners and other tourism stakeholders to map out routes for the bus, create awareness and encourage Ghanaian to #ExperienceGhana and #ShareGhana.
The Accra City Tour will expose both Ghanaians and Internationals to historical and cultural sites as well as iconic structures and places within the Metropolis, and subsequently extended to the Regional Capitals of the country accordingly.
For further information and booking, please contact the following: 0307007100/ 02415777757/ 0243146864.
N.B: kindly indicate what you are paying for when you book.
Thank you.
BY CORPORATE AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT, GHANA TOURISM AUTHORITY.
Domestic Travel, A Key To Ghana’s Tourism Revival – Alisa Asamoah
The current Coronavirus pandemic has necessitated the need for us to focus our attention to the domestic market for Ghana’s tourism growth.
Like most countries around the world, Ghana’s tourism received a heavy battering following the onset of the pandemic. Just when the sector was set to see a turnaround with the highly successful ‘Year of Return,’ the advent of Coronavirus which in most cases, halted travel across countries and continents, unfortunately, rolled back the numbers and receipts.
Since then it has become necessary for government to introduce measures to cushion operators and industry players who have been at the receiving end of the harsh realities of the pandemic on the tourism sector. In addition, government has had to find ways of ensuring continuity of Ghana’s tourism industry which has ultimately shifted attention to domestic tourism. Leading the charge in this regard, is the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) which has found several innovative and creative ways of selling Ghana to its citizens to promote and increase local travels to the many tourist attractions spread across the country.
The latest and current initiative, #ExperienceGhana #ShareGhana is a rallying call on all citizens to see the beautiful land of warmth, culture and rhythm. The acquisition of the double-decker coach for city tours is already adding to the enthusiasm that has so far characterized the launch of the new campaign.
For us as the Tour Operators Union of Ghana (TOUGHA), we feel proud to be lending our support to the implementation of such noble initiatives. As a body whose overall mandate is to take people to experience and enjoy our attractions, we believe that we shoulder a sizable amount of the responsibility as far as the realization of the greater goal of driving at least one million Ghanaians yearly to tourist sites as espoused by the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed Awal is concerned.
It is not lost on us what the repercussion of the attainment of this ambitious target could be to the socio-economic growth of the country. And that is why we continue to wholeheartedly embrace and partner stakeholders in rolling out programmes that inure to the benefit of the domestic tourism agenda.
Since November last year, TOUGHA has embarked on tours to the Ashanti, Eastern and Central regions to update themselves of the current state of tourist sites in these areas. In doing so, the Union has also got to know less-known yet exciting sites that could be incorporated in our tour packages.
We are resolved to continue organizing these tours until we explore all 16 regions of Ghana. Beyond this, we feel particularly happy to be engaging the Ministry, GTA and other relevant agencies to put together tour packages at reduced and competitive rates for all and sundry.
We urge all sister tourism trade associations to follow in our example and come up with initiatives to drive and deepen domestic tourism. We are of the firm belief that domestic tourism is the cornerstone to building the resilience that the tourism industry has always been known for and we will continue to play our part in ensuring that Ghana becomes a preferred destination for her citizens and visitors across the world.
By: Alisa Osei-Asamoah
President, Tour Operators Union of Ghana
Ghana welcomes 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre Survivors to fulfill their dream of visiting Africa
There was so much anticipation and emotion while waiting for the flight carrying two survivors of the Tulsa Race Massacre to arrive in Accra. In 1921, the area of Greenwood in the city of Tulsa Oklahoma was burned down by a mob of whites who targeted the thriving black community. Thousands were left homeless and many were killed in the attack. Viola Fletcher, aka, ‘Mother Fletcher’, who was 7 years old at the time is till haunted by memories of the viscous attack. She’s often said that it’s been a dream to visit Africa before she sees God and this journey would fulfill that desire. Fletcher, who is 107 years old, and her brother Hughes Van Ellis, aka ‘Uncle Red’ age 100, have successfully fulfilled the lifelong dream of coming to Africa when they landed in Accra yesterday afternoon.
Co-Founding Chair of the African Legacy Foundation, Dr. Toni Luck, who flew in from Johannesburg, South Africa and Ambassador Erieka Bennett, who is Head of Missions at the Diaspora African Forum, both were so filled with joy knowing that they were about to land in Ghana. “It’s like waiting for my own grandmother,” Bennett said. Dr. Luck, was pacing around the VIP lounge with so much excitement like a child on Christmas morning. She said she’s met Mother Fletcher before, but this moment was more special than any other.
There was so much anticipation and emotion while waiting for the flight carrying two survivors of the Tulsa Race Massacre to arrive in Accra. In 1921, the area of Greenwood in the city of Tulsa Oklahoma was burned down by a mob of whites who targeted the thriving black community. Thousands were left homeless and many were killed in the attack. Viola Fletcher, aka, ‘Mother Fletcher’, who was 7 years old at the time is till haunted by memories of the viscous attack. She’s often said that it’s been a dream to visit Africa before she sees God and this journey would fulfill that desire. Fletcher, who is 107 years old, and her brother Hughes Van Ellis, aka ‘Uncle Red’ age 100, have successfully fulfilled the lifelong dream of coming to Africa when they landed in Accra yesterday afternoon.
Co-Founding Chair of the African Legacy Foundation, Dr. Toni Luck, who flew in from Johannesburg, South Africa and Ambassador Erieka Bennett, who is Head of Missions at the Diaspora African Forum, both were so filled with joy knowing that they were about to land in Ghana. “It’s like waiting for my own grandmother,” Bennett said. Dr. Luck, was pacing around the VIP lounge with so much excitement like a child on Christmas morning. She said she’s met Mother Fletcher before, but this moment was more special than any other.
When the car pulled up with the two centenarians everyone applauded with overwhelming joy. Mother Fletcher and Uncle Redd both stepped out of the airport car, grabbed their walkers and made their way into the VIP lounge to be greeted by everyone. After all the necessary protocols were taken care of at the airport, the siblings were escorted to their vehicles and made their way to their hotel where they were greeted with a true Ghanaian welcome featuring a cultural display of drumming and dancing in their honour. Uncle Redd was spotted moving his hands to the beat of the drum and Mother Fletcher’s eyes showed true joy as her grandson, Ike Vernon Howard, spun her around in a wheelchair dancing to the music.
The Diaspora African Forum played a big role in coordinating with Our Black Truth to make this trip a success with the support of The Diaspora Affairs Office of the President, Beyond the Return and Ghana Tourism Authority. The coming week is filled with some activities that will give them an opportunity to experience Ghana, learn the culture and history while meeting some wonderful people. Fletcher and Van Ellis are in for the experience of a lifetime.
By Ivy Prosper
National Tourism Destination Single Window Project “Visit Ghana App” Launched
July 12, 2021, Accra
Hon. Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim Awal the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture has launched the National Tourism Destination Single Window Project consisting of the Visit Ghana App and Online portal at the Kempinski Hotel, Accra.
The all-in-one platform which was launched seeks to bring service operators and the general public into one marketplace to enhance service delivery.
Present at the launch were, the Deputy Minister of Tourism Arts and Culture, Mark Okraku Mantey, Deputy Minister of Communications and Digitization, Ama Pomaa Boateng, the Chief Director of the Ministry of Tourism Arts and Culture, Mr. John Yao Agbeko, Deputy CEO of COCOBOD, President of the Ghana Tourism Federation, Madam Bella Ahu, President of the Tour Operators Union of Ghana, Mrs. Alisa Osei Asamoah and several industry players, Heads and staff of Agencies under the Ministry of Tourism Arts and Culture, Tourism Industry players, and other Stakeholders.
The other modules of the App are expected to be completed and made functional in due course while the Ghana Tourism Authority which is implementing the project takes feedback from stakeholders and users of the platform.
By: GTA Digital
‘Africa Will Be a Powerful Force for World Development’ says Yofi Grant at Ghana Diaspora Investment Summit
Although 2020 was a year filled with global tragedy due to the pandemic, Yofi Grant, CEO of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre, believes that the year also ushered in Africa’s decade and that Africa as we know it, is not just its citizens, it is every person of African descent living anywhere in the world. He delivered opening remarks at the maiden edition of the Ghana Diaspora Investment Summit which took place June 23 -24, 2021, in person at the Kempinski Hotel and streamed live on social media platforms. The theme of the event was, ‘The New Normal: Leveraging diaspora investments to build back better.’
The event was organized by Ghana Investment Promotion Centre who partnered with the Beyond the Return Secretariat, Ghana Tourism Authority, Diaspora Affairs, Office of the President, Diaspora African Forum, Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Regional Integration, and the Ministry of Information.
The core focus of the 2-day event was to provide an overview of investment opportunities in Ghana, learning from key business players in various industry sectors, encouraging partnerships between the public and private sectors, sharing ideas, plans and policies for support of the business climate, and feedback from diasporans about potential and areas that need improvement.
One of the important pillars of the ‘Beyond the Return’ initiative is Invest in Ghana and this event played a key role in supporting that initiative. “This has been a successful summit,” said the CEO of Ghana Tourism Authority, Akwasi Agyeman, “As the Minister of Information said, it shouldn’t remain a summit, there has to be action after the summit.” Agyeman said that taking advantage of networking at the event provided valuable opportunities that fostered new relationships and established synergies to create new products, services, and programs. He added that he is looking forward to next year when we would hear about the fruits of collaborations that were sparked at this event.
Stories of impact were also shared by diasporans who have made the return to Ghana, started their own businesses and creating investment opportunities for themselves and for others. Neil Oku, CEO of Golden Coast Developers was one of the featured speakers who shared his personal experience on moving to Ghana. “I wanted to feel that I was really going to make a change and that’s what really drove me to Ghana,” he said. Oku left his job on Wall Street to build a new career based on the opportunities he saw. “I came because I felt Ghana was the next wave. Ghana was really moving towards a trajectory…. you don’t have to be a Ghanaian to feel the innovation going on.”
H.E. Ambassador Erieka Bennett, who is Head of Missions at the Diaspora African Forum, shared the importance of remaining connected with diasporans who continue to have a strong interest in visiting, moving to or investing in Ghana. Bennett said that African Heads of State are understanding that in order to move Africa forward we need to move with the diaspora. “Every Diasporan I know, they want to come to Ghana,” she said. “There’s a lady who is 107 years old…. she’s coming to Ghana with her brother who is 100 and some of her colleagues who are 92 and 95.” This woman is a survivor of the Tulsa Massacre in 1921 when white residents burned down a prominent Black business district. Ambassador Bennett is one of the most engaged with the diaspora community when they make their transition to Ghana.
Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, said there are enormous opportunities to grow in Ghana and grow with Ghana. Ofori-Atta returned to Ghana 30 years ago after living abroad and partnered to start an investment bank at a time when resources available for launching a business in Ghana were far less than they are today. In sharing his personal journey, he wanted to narrate that despite the challenges it can be done, and Ghana is a great place to do it.
He has an appreciation of what it takes to make the leap to move to Ghana and urged people in the diaspora to make it a personal decision without influence of politics or others around you. “Look deep down in your heart as to why you are coming,” he said. “It’s spiritual, economic, 400 years…it’s here and we should all come back home.”
By: Ivy Prosper
Tour Operators Union Embark On City Tour Ahead of Start of Accra City Tours
The Tour Operators Union of Ghana (TOUGHA) on Wednesday, 23rd June, 2021 embarked on a promotional Accra city tour as part of sensitization and awareness creation in respect of the Domestic Tourism promotion launched recently by the President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo dubbed, “EXPERIENCE GHANA, SHARE GHANA”. Other stakeholders like Tourists Clubs and some media joined the tour which lasted for 3 hours.
The Ghana Tourism Authority, as part of promotion of the domestic tourism drive amongst Ghanaians, outdoored two city tour buses, a double decker bus a.k.a “Aunty Deede” and Mummy Truck, a.k.a “Bone Shaker”. The Tour was aimed at ensuring that the Tour Operators would have an experience of the Coaches in order to sell the Tour Packages accordingly. As the private sector agency that promotes tours within and outside the country, it is the expectation of the Authority that it will definitely live up to expectation as interest of Ghanaians is ignited for the domestic tourism campaign.
The Tour began at exactly 1pm from the Accra Tourist Information Centre (ATIC), through the former Flagstaff House now Jubilee House and then to the Ring Road where the tour continued to the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC). After GBC which is Ghana’s oldest Broadcasting Corporation, the tour made its way through Nima where we could find the residence of His Excellency, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo, the President of the Republic. Next off, the most famous interchange in Ghana, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah Interchange , popularly called “Circle”. On through to the Jake Obetsebi Lamptey interchange then to Abossey Okai, one of Ghana’s famous spare parts hub.
The Coach popularly called Aunty Deede was the delight of many and obviously the talk of town as the tour continued. The Tour then made its way to the Bukom Boxing Arena which is adjacent to the junction that leads to the Korle- Bu Teaching Hospital. The tour then made its way pass the Jamestown Fishing Market directly opposite the Fire Service Academy. On the High Street, the tour got to the Lighthouse which is opposite the Ngleshie Alata Mantse Palace. The Group made a stopover at the James Fort where the Tour Guide gave the entire group a tour within the Fort explaining the historical events before independence.
The Ussher Fort was the next on the itinerary. Also, drove pass the Bank of Ghana, the Arts Centre and then to the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, The Law Court Complex and the Ministries. The group’s next stopover was the Independence Square where the team took photos with various symbols and the Accra Sports Stadium. From the Independence Square, the tour continued through to the Oxford Street which one of Ghana’s domestic tourism hub just as the Arts Centre with various artifacts, local prints, cuisine, music, nightlife, etc. From the Oxford Street, the team passed through the Dankwa Interchange then to the Ghana Prisons Headquarters. The tour ended at 1600HRS.
The Tour on Wednesday was the 5th Promotional Tour held by the GTA since its launch in June, 2021. Various groups that have participated included Staff of the GTA, Stakeholders including the Ghana Tourism Federation (GHATOF), Tour Guides, Tourism Press/Media Corps, etc.
Speaking to the media after the tour, Mr. Kofi Atta Kakra Kusi of the Ghana Tourism Authority reiterated government’s commitment to promote the domestic tourism agenda through such initiatives as the Accra City Tours which will gradually extend to the various regions and districts accordingly. The initiative aims at helping the economy recover from the ravages of COVID 19 and targeting increasing arrivals of 600, 000 by 2022 and one million by 2024. He noted that with the success of the “Year of Return” initiative by government, it is imperative to apply innovative ways and means to ensure the realization of the objectives put in place for the “Beyond the Return” project. He indicated that the packages will include educational, business, and religious tourism that will create a sense of national unity and cohesion as well as raise income from the urban area. He stated that the domestic tourism drive dubbed, “Experience Ghana, Share Ghana” aims at ensuring the realization of the vision of the Sector Ministry ie to whip up interest, create an industry wide tourism wholesale package for on-selling by Operators.
The sector Minister, Dr. Ibrahim Awal Mohammed had indicated the need for massive transformation of the sector through innovation, sectorial collaboration, coordinated strategy to ensure a seamless and affordable tourism experience for Ghanaian tourists in the domestic market and consolidate Ghana’s position as the preferred destination for leisure, meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions in the ECOWAS sub-region.
The President of the Tour Operators Union of Ghana (TOUGHA), Mrs. Alisa Asamoah on her part reiterated the commitment of the Tour Operators to ensure the realization of the goals for the promotion of this domestic tourism drive. She therefore took the opportunity to commend the government especially the Hon. Minister, Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed Awal and the CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Mr. Akwasi Agyeman in seeing to the transformation of the industry through such initiatives. He urged that more initiatives to whip up interest in domestic tourism should be encouraged to ensure the overall success of the campaign. She expressed appreciation to the executives and members of TOUGHA for embarking on the Tour as a wake-up call to action.
Earth Rights Ghana, GTA To Host Conference On COVID And Tourism
Earth Rights Ghana in partnership with Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) will on August 25, 2021 organise a one-day conference to review the effects of the Coronavirus pandemic on travel and tourism in Accra.
The conference will be held at the Accra Tourist Information Centre for a limited number of specially invited key industry stakeholders.
On the theme, “Sustaining Tourism Beyond Covid 19”, it will provide opportunity for the industry to brainstorm strategies for the way forward.
It will be will be Zoomed live for virtual participation, especially by tourism authorities from other West African countries.
There will be presentations on the theme by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, as policy makers, Ghana Tourism Authority, the regulator, the aviation and national revenue authorities, and the private sector, represented by the Ghana Tourism Federation and the Ghana Hotels Association.
Earth Rights is a not-for-profit non-governmental organisation working in the tourism sector to ensure compliance with sustainable/responsible tourism, with particular emphasis on protecting the rights of eco-systems through eco-labeling.
PROGRAM
- Arrival of Guests
- Welcome and Introductions – Dr. Nana Baa Wiredu, Moderator General
- Why Are We Here – Mr. Enimil Ashon, President of Earth Rights Ghana
- Statement by Ghana Tourism Authority
- Address by Honourable Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture
- TECHNICAL PRESENTATIONS
- Presentation by GHATOF – Mr. Kwesi Eyison
- Presentation by Ghana Tourism Development Project (GTDP) – Dr. Gabriel Eshun
- Presentation by Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA)
- Presentation by Environmental Protection Agency – Mrs. Cindy Baidoo
- PANEL DISCUSSION
Panel Topic: COVID AND TOURISM: IMPACT AND OPPORTUNITIES
PANELISTS
- Robert Mensah, GM- Eusbett Hotel, Sunyani
- Richard Kilson, Board Chair, Kingdom Corporate Ltd, (Boti Falls)
- Dr Ackah Nyameke, President of Ghana Hotels Association
Moderator: Mr. Alfred Asumadu (Deputy Marketing Director, GTA)
- BREAK
Panel Topic: MARINE ECOSYSTEM FOR TOURISM DEVELOPMENT
PANELISTS
- George Tweneboa Kodua Kankam, Ag. Director, Tourism – Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture
- Peter Dery, Director Environment, Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI)
- Kwame Amaoh Baah-Nuakoh, GM, Sustainability and Stakeholder Relations, Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC)\
- Winnie Sowah, Dept. of Marine and Fisheries Sciences, Univ. of Ghana
Moderator: Dr Lailah Akita Dept. of Marine and Fisheries Sciences, Univ. of Ghana
- Questions & Answers (Q&A)
- Making of Accra Declaration
- Rapporteur General’s Report
- Vote of Thanks & Closing Prayer
-End-
BACKGROUND
Given the international travel bans that have affected more than 90 per cent of the global population and widespread restrictions on public gatherings and community mobility, tourism largely ceased in March 2020. The pandemic has significantly impacted every sector of the travel and tourism industry, namely airlines, transportation, hotels, restaurants, attractions, such as national parks, protected areas and cultural heritage sites, travel agencies and tour operators.
Figures released by the World Travel and Tourism Council indicate that the direct, indirect and induced impact of travel and tourism industry accounted for 10.3% of the global GDP (US$ 8.9 trillion) and 330 million jobs, or one in 10 jobs globally.
Ghana
As the tourist sector gets ready for revival, Ghana’s new Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture has set an ambitious target of increasing tourism earnings to US$5 billion. Among effective indicators for the realization of this dream are a sound tourism infrastructure and the potential of tourism destinations to grow through the adoption of public policies or private initiatives.
Against this backdrop, Earth Rights Ghana proposes that the government’s ambitious target will be realized only on the back of thorough and effective planning by policy makers, regulators, practitioners and other stakeholders; hence, the proposed one day conference.
Photos: Rwanda Tourism Delegation Visit To Ghana
Accra, June 21, 2021
Last week, Ghana received a 32 man delegation from Rwanda which was a collaboration between GIPC , GEPA , GTA and GHATOF to explore various potentials in the area of Tourism, Mining, FinTech, Education among others. Here are some scenes as they #ExperienceGhana #ShareGhana.
The Trip is also to boost infra-africa tourism.
Arrival
B2B Meeting AT Labadi Hotel
Kumasi Trip
At Manhyia Palace
At Regional Ministers Office
At Hot Spots In Accra
African Diaspora in Ghana to join Beyond the Return to plant trees as Ghana goes green
The ‘Beyond The Return’ program is partnering with the local diaspora community to plant trees for the “Green Ghana Project,” which is an initiative championed by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and the Forestry Commission.
On Friday, 11th June 2021, five million trees will be planted across Ghana. Planting trees will help protect watersheds, reduce erosion and moderate the climate, and serve as habitat and provide food for many birds and other wildlife.
Diasporans representing the Diaspora Coalition, African American Association of Ghana, Ghana Caribbean Association, Omega Psi Phi Tau Chi chapter, and Voyajah will plant trees on behalf of the ‘Beyond The Return’ program and the Give Back Ghana” pillar.
About Beyond the Return
‘Beyond the Return’ is a 10-year initiative with the theme, ‘A Decade of African Renaissance’. The vision is to continue fostering relationships with the global diaspora community through tourism, investments and repatriation.
The initiative is a follow up to Ghana’s ‘Year of Return’ campaign and is Cordinated by the Ghana Tourism Authority under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture.
For more information about ‘Beyond The Return’ visit www.beyondthereturngh.com or social media @beyondthereturn
Government Offers Free Tourism and Hospitality Training Program
Government of Ghana is rolling out free Training Programme for Hospitality and Tourism Industry players who were negatively affected by COVID-19 global pandemic in the 10 former Regions of Ghana.
GTA is therefore collaborating with HOTCATT to achieve the project goals and help to bridge the capacity and training gap of staff in the tourism and hospitality value chain.
The training is free of charge and participants would be provided with a certificate after successful completion of the programme.
A prospective staff must be in the lower, middle and supervisory role of the tourism and hospitality industry.
The courses and duration for the training are as follows:
1. FRONT OFFICE SKILLS – 4 WEEKS
2. KITCHEN SKILLS – 4 WEEKS
3. FOOD AND BEVERAGE SKILLS – 4 WEEKS**
4. CONFERENCE, BANQUETING AND EVENT MANAGEMENT – 4 WEEKS
5. HOUSE KEEPING SKILLS – 2 WEEKS
6. TOUR GUIDING SKILLS – 2 WEEKS
7. RESTAURANT MANAGEMENT – 2 WEEKS
8. HOSPITALITY ACCOUNTING (CORE SUBJECT FOR ALL)
9. SAFETY AND HAZARD MANAGEMENT (CORE SUBJECT FOR ALL)
10. FRENCH (CORE SUBJECT FOR ALL)
Applicants are advised to fill online form.
Please apply here.
Kindly contact the following numbers for assistance
Call Center: 0307007100