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Minister lauds Ghana Barbeque Association for promoting tourism through gastronomy
The Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Barbara Oteng-Gyasi has commended the Ghana Barbeque Association (GBQA) for their continuous promotion of tourism through gastronomy.
She said she was impressed by the performance, achievements and commitment of the association to improve and promote tourism through Barbecue Sports.
Barbara Oteng-Gyasi welcoming the GBQA members to her office
The Minister stated this when Executives and some members of GBQA paid a courtesy call on her at her office last Friday, February 7. The visitors brought the Minister up to speed on their mandate to use barbeque as a sport to promote friendships while providing the platform to add value to the culinary industry.
Doris Lumor presenting the Minister with the citation
They also informed her about upcoming events which the Association will be participating in. They include the Memphis in May Festival in the US where Ghana has been selected as the honoured country. GBQA will compete in the World Barbeque Championship at the event.
GBQA will also host the first ever World Barbeque African Championship in Ghana from April 29 to May 1 this year. The event is expected to draw in participants from more than 20 countries.
Oteng-Gyasi who was presented with a citation from the World and Ghana Barbecue Associations pledged the Ministry’s support to GBQA as they participate and host the events.
President of GBQA, Prosper Kumi presenting the Minister with the citation
President of GBQA, Prosper Kumi and the African Ambassador for the World Barbeque Association, Doris Eyram Lumor led the entourage on the visit.
Source: https://voyagesafriq.com/2020/02/10/minister-lauds-ghana-barbeque-association-for-promoting-tourism-through-gastronomy/
UNWTO And Basque Culinary Centre Launch 2nd Gastronomy Tourism Start-Up Competition
The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and Basque Culinary Center have joined forces again for the second edition of the Global Gastronomy Tourism Startup Competition.
After the success of the first edition, the competition has returned to identify and celebrate disruptive ideas and innovators who will lead the transformation of the sector as well as those who are making a positive impact in their local communities.
In 2019, over 300 initiatives from 84 countries were submitted. Projects ranged from new technologies, community-based tourism development initiatives, innovation software and startups focused on innovation-driven agricultural sustainability. All of them help contribute to the advancement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Gastronomy continues to prove its potential as a vital opportunity to enrich the tourism offer and stimulate economic development in destinations all around the world
For this second edition and with the support of the TUI Care Foundation, there will be two prizes. The first category will identify the initiative that is both innovative and has a sustainable social impact. The winning project will receive expert support from Basque Culinary Center (the Culinary Action! initiative) and from UNWTO. The project will be showcased at the 6th UNWTO World Forum on Gastronomy. As well as receiving help in creating a work plan for the design or implementation of a pilot project, the winner will also have access to the Culinary Action! network, which offers mentoring, monitoring and the opportunity to scale-up the project using the latest digital tools available.
The other category will recognize the most disruptive gastronomy tourism startup overall. The winning company will design a pilot project alongside Basque Culinary Center and implement it with the help of its network. It will also receive economic support to cover the expenses of the acceleration process with Culinary Action!, as well as accommodation and travel, for up to 3.000 euros.
UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “With this competition, we are identifying key companies which will shape the future for food and travel. Gastronomy continues to prove its potential as a vital opportunity to enrich the tourism offer and stimulate economic development in destinations all around the world, especially in rural communities, with the potential to scale on a global level.”
Competition co-founder, Basque Culinary Center Director Joxe Mari Aizega added: “This competition allows us to identify and support entrepreneurial talent in gastronomy. There are entrepreneurs in different parts of the world who are promoting new initiatives that take advantage of the potential of gastronomy and tourism. Likewise, it allows us to provide training and to offer tools to help entrepreneurs to develop projects with the potential to transform and have a positive impact on both companies and destinations, promoting gastronomic tourism as a tool to guarantee the sustainability of the destination.”
The call for proposals for the and UNWTO and Basque Culinary Center’s Global Gastronomy Tourism Startup Competition has been launched worldwide and will close on 6 April. The finalists of the Startups category and the winners of the Social Innovation Category will be announced on 4 May 2020.
The Startups category winner winning startup will be announced between 1 and 3 June, during the 6th Edition World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism to be held in Flanders, Belgium.
For more information and registration materials, visit https://www.gastronomytourismventures.org/en
RELATED LINKS
- Donwload PDF
- UNWTO and Basque Culinary Center launch Guidelines for the Development of Gastronomy Tourism
- Job Creation and Entrepreneurship take Centre Stage at UNWTO World Forum on Gastronomy Tour
- Announcement of the Finalists of the 1st Global Gastronomy Tourism Startup Competition
About Basque Culinary Center
Basque Culinary Center is a pioneering academic institution worldwide, created by seven of the top Basque chefs along with Mondragon University, and with the involvement of eleven of the most influential chefs in the world.
The main aim of Basque Culinary Center is higher education, research, innovation and promotion of gastronomy and nutrition.
Since its creation, in September 2011, we have worked to become the international benchmark in this field and also to promote gastronomy as a lever of social-economic development through the Faculty of Gastronomic Sciences and the Centre for Research and Innovation. We also develop many different promotional activities.
Media contacts:
UNWTO – Communication Department
comm@unwto.org
+ 34 91 567 8100
BCC – Communication Department
comunicacion@bculinary.com
+34 943 57 45 17
www.bculinary.com
We Are Not Descendants Of Slaves But Descendants Of Survivors – Boris Kodjoe
Celebrated Holywood African- American actor, Boris Kodjoe has voiced his opinion on the media’s depiction of Africa as a war-ridden continent. For him, the opportunity to showcase the other side of Africa to the world was not only to commemorate the 400thyear of the arrival of the first documented enslaved Africans in Virginia but to also help make that switch from the mentality of “Descendants of Slaves” to “Descendants of Survivors”.
According to him, they (Boris, his wife, his brother, Bozoma Saint John and his crew) wanted to show people the true side of Africa because the media’s narrative of Africa as a famine and war zone is quite disappointing and perpetuation of falsehood. He stated that Africa is not a country, as some people perceive. On the contrary, he stressed the fact that seven (7) out of the 10 fastest-growing economies are in Africa with a rich diversity in food, culture, music, people etc.
Speaking on the American talk show, THE REAL, the actor of Ghanaian descent asserted, “traditional media has painted a picture of Africa as a place of war and famine to Europe and it’s not true”. And we wanted to show people the True side of Africa”. He recounted all the fun they had with the huge crowds at the Afrochella festival and Afronation, which were two of the major events that took place in December in Ghana.
He made these remarks with regard while sharing his experience at the Essence Full Circle festival held in Ghana. He also spoke about visiting amazing Heritage sites in Ghana such as the Cape Coast Castle and many other heritage sites. He added that Africa was not just great for tourism but also great for business.
The Essence Full Circle festival was held in Ghana under the ‘Year of Return’ initiative, which was themed “Celebrating the African Resilience”. Thousands of people of African origin especially African Americans including several Hollywood celebrities visited Ghana for Christmas. Some of the stars include Idris Elba, Naomi Campbell, Akon, Rick Ross, T.I., Ludacris, Steve Harvey and several others from the diaspora who were all welcomed home to Ghana and will hopefully become one of the legacies which celebrate African resilience.
Also visiting Ghana in 2019 to partake in the celebration were the Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the Congressional Black Caucus, Kofi Kingston and also the Prime Minister of Barbados.
2020 Edina Bakatue Homecoming launched
Brand Elmina, a destination marketing and event organising firm in partnership with the Edina Traditional Council have launched the 2020 Edina Bakatue Homecoming at Buw Enyim in Elmina. The ceremony attracted high ranking dignitaries including his highness Nana Kodwo Conduah VI, Omanhen of Edina Traditional Area, the Central Regional Director of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Mr. Kwame Gyasi among others.
The height of the programme was when the Edinaman anthem was played by violinist, Wilhelm Moses. This sent the entire ground into eerie silence prompting Nana Kodwo Conduah VI to remark, ‘’Indeed, the spirits of Edinaman is back’’.
Watch Exclusive Video of Edinaman Anthem
Young Black Americans who want to explore their roots can take a free birthright trip to Africa. Here’s how
There are a lot of things that make up who we are as people. Our physical features, our pet peeves, our passions — and our roots. It’s a puzzle we spend our entire lives trying to finish.
An education you can’t find at school
“My life will never be the same”
What it takes to take a birthright trip to Africa
Beyond The Return: Wesley Snipes Says He Will Be Visiting Ghana Soon
American superstar Wesley Snipes says he will be visiting Ghana very soon.
The visit will be part of the government’s 2020 ‘Beyond The Return’ initiative to further attract Diasporans not to only visit but also invest in the country.
In a short video available to NEWS-ONE on Thursday, the actor who is otherwise known as Daywalker for his role in the award-winning film ‘Blade’, announced his visit saying, “I am on my way to Accra.”
“You know that my teacher Dr John Hendrik Clarke, the great grandmaster sat many a day under many conditions the great grandmaster Dr Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana and they told me as a grandson of them… always keep Mother Africa in the heart, a united Africa. So to honouring my elders, I am on my way to Accra. The Daywalker is coming to Accra…,” he said.
He was captured in the video together with Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko, a leading member of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Wesley was among a number of personalities who met with President Akufo-Addo in Davos, Switzerland, where the President is participating in the 50th-anniversary celebration of the World Economic Forum Annual Meetings.
A photo Gabby shared on Facebook Thursday captured the President with American billionaire businessman Robert Smith, Wesley Snipes, Ozwald Boateng, Kojo Annan and a host of other influential figures in Davos.
According to Gabby, they shared “ideas on how to leverage part of the multi-trillion dollar wealth of the African Diaspora to move Ghana (and Africa).”
Wesley Snipes was also among key listeners at a Ghana dinner held in Davos as Ken Ofori-Atta spoke on why invest in Ghana.
He would be joining the likes of Naomi Campbell, Michael Jai White, Tina Knowles Lawson, Samuel L Jackson, Steve Harvey and a host of others who visited Ghana as part of the ‘Year of Return’ 2019 programme which has now been upgraded to ‘Beyond The Return’ 2020.
Source: Dailynetwork.com
Ghana Hotels Association honours President Akufo-Addo
The Ghana Hotels Association (GHA) has honoured President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for demonstrating visionary and exemplary leadership in declaring ‘The Year of Return’ and ensuing its successful execution in 2019.
The Association presented a plaque and a citation christened “Significant Contribution Award” to the President for ensuring that the ‘Year of Return’ initiative impacted significantly on the tourism and hospitality sector and set the stage for accelerated growth of the industry.
The citation read, “For demonstrating strategic foresight in declaring ‘Beyond the Return” to expand and harness the Ghanaian Diaspora dividend for the economic development of the nation in line with the Ghana Beyond Aid policy.
For demonstrating empathetic leadership by promoting domestic tourism for the expansion of the tourism and hospitality market in Ghana”.
The event took place at the 4th GHA awards ceremony in Accra to celebrate deserving hoteliers and personalities who have distinguished themselves in 2019.
The programme was held under the theme: “Reducing Hotel Rates in Ghana: Role of Government and Hotel Operators”.
Mrs Akosua Frema Osei-Opare, the Chief of Staff, who received the award and in a statement read on behalf of President Akufo-Addo, commended the Association for the honour done him saying “ I am truly humbled and very grateful’.
President Akufo-Addo on September 2018 at the Washington Press Club in the United States proclaimed 2019 as the “Year of Return” which commemorated the 400th anniversary of the time when the first 20 West African slaves were brought to the Commonwealth of Virginia, which subsequently became part of the United States of America, thereby initiating one of the most unfortunate and barbaric Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade.
The President said 2019 was a monumental year for the tourism industry as there was a steady flow of visitors, rising to a crescendo in December 2019.
He said throughout the year, businesses across the value chain-airlines, hotels, car rentals, and restaurants reported a significant growth in numbers, adding that through the initiative and backed by a strong marketing push, the country had seen a year-on-year increase in hotel occupancy rate.
Some hotels were on record to have experienced more than double the occupancy rate than they did the year before.
To sustain the interest and solidify the impact of the ‘Year of Return’, President Akufo-Addo announced another initiative, “Beyond the Return” which is a 10-year programme that seeks to influence several core areas of the country’s relationship with the diaspora and provide business opportunities across the tourism value chain.
He said Ghana was chosen by the African Union to host the Secretariat of the African Continental Free Trade Area, stressing that the opportunity would boost the tourism and hospitality sector greatly and urged the hotels to maximize the full benefits of the initiative.
President Akufo-Addo said the theme underscores the need for shared responsibility between the public and private sector players in order to deal with the challenges confronting the industry.
“I have asked the Madam Barbara Oteng Gyasi, the Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture to fast-track the ongoing discussions with the Trade, Industry and Tourism Sub-Committee of Parliament on the challenges that the multiplicity of regulatory mandates and fees poses to hoteliers”.
“We must all work together through engagements to ensure that we keep hotel prices down and thereby lay a solid foundation for the growth of the Ghanaian tourism industry”, he said.
AMC Cinemas to show Ghanaian-Caribbean film ‘Joseph’ across US
It’s the first time a Ghanaian-Caribbean co-production has received major mainstream US theatrical release traditionally reserved for Hollywood movies.
AMC which owns over 1000 theatres with over 11,000 screens in Europe and America is by far the largest theatre chain in the World. The AMC teams were so moved by the subject matter and production quality of the film, they are excited to show audiences across the US and possibly around the world this culturally relevant and timely film.
The dramatic feature film ‘Joseph’ opens in Ghanaian cinemas from Friday, January 24 at Silverbird Cinemas, Accra Mall and West Hill, Watch & Dine, Kumasi City Mall and Global Cinemas, Weija.
Joseph tells the dramatic story of a successful, young doctor in Jamaica, haunted by childhood memories of his beloved grandfather in Accompong, the Maroon village founded by runaway slaves. Despite the family conflict caused by Joseph’s curiosity about his Ashanti origins and the death of Kweku, his close friend from Ghana, Joseph is determined to travel to West Africa and discover his true identity.
Joseph’s highly symbolic journey mirrors the pilgrimage made by many Caribbean and African-American people to the slave castles of the Cape Coast, curious to learn more about their African roots. Similarly, the movie is certain to spark the curiosity of many Ghanaians wanting to know more about their long-lost ‘cousins’ who live in far-away lands but still retain many aspects of their African identity.
In fact, several remarks were made at the premiere about the similarities in culture and lifestyle between Jamaica, Barbados and Ghana, and the positive portrayal of Africa in the film.
As excitement about the film grows, ‘Joseph’ was the opening film for the ongoing Barbados International Film Festival BIFF. It opened to a five (5) minute standing ovation amidst emotional tears and was released to never-ending long lines of eager fans across the Island.
‘Joseph’ is set to be released in 43 cinemas across Nigeria, also on January 24, the same day as in Ghana.
‘Joseph’ will open in Jamaica, Trinidad, Guyana and all the other Islands in the Caribbean. The cultural ministers have requested it to be shown in high schools and universities as well.
The film has been selected for screening at the largest Black film festival in the USA, the prestigious Pan African Film & Arts Festival in Los Angeles, 11-23 February.
‘Joseph’ is co-written and directed by veteran award-winning Director Marcia Weekes (Chrissy, Barrow Freedom Fighter). Joseph’s cast includes Jamaican star Kevoy Burton, Ghanaian/Nigerian Super Star Mawuli Gavor, Sika Osei, Harold, Soca Queen Alison Hinds, R&B star Shontelle Layne, Ms Malaika Miriam Owusu-Poku etc.
Amongst the executive producers are the multi award-winning Ghanaian production duo behind Beast of No Nation and Black Earth Rising, Tony Tagoe & Danny Damah. These two producers continue to raise the flag of Ghana really high when it comes to international standard production with global appeal. Ghana needs more films from them.
National Chocolate Day 2020 Celebration Launched
The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) in partnership with the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) and Cocoa Processing Company have launched this year’s National Chocolate Day.
At the launch of the event today at the Accra Tourist Information Centre, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Barbara Oteng-Gyasi whose speech was read by Madam Adelaide Ahwireng; Chairperson of the Ghana Tourism Authority said it is important for all Ghanaians to promote the consumption of Made in Ghana chocolate and cocoa based products and also position cocoa and the chocolate experience as a strong element of the Ghana tourism experience. This has been largely successful and the National Chocolate Day is now an important feature of the tourism calendar of events.
The National Chocolate Day which falls on February 14 was instituted by the Ministry of Tourism in 2005 under the leadership of Hon. Jake Obetsebi-Lamptey of blessed memory, in collaboration with GTA, COCOBOD and Cocoa Processing company and other stakeholders to create awareness of the health benefits of cocoa-based chocolate products and to promote the consumption of Ghanaian Chocolate and increase in domestic tourism. Mr Isaac Adomako-Mensah, the Deputy Executive Director of Finance and Administration of the Ghana Tourism Authority appreciated the support of some sponsors namely, Alisa Hotels and Stedna School of Baking and Confectionery and stressed on the contribution of this event which has come to stay and has become part of the tourism calendar of events.
The Marketing Manager of the Cocoa Processing Company, Nana Agyeman Ansong stated that Ghana Cocoa is known as the best in the world and also the Ghana Chocolate has become a National Cultural Identity. He took the opportunity to outline the several new brands of products the company has outdoored to meet the varying tastes of the public.
The 2020 National Chocolate Day is under the theme, “My Chocolate Experience, My holistic Wellbeing’”. Activities for the celebration of the National Chocolate Day have begun with a digital campaign competition by the GTA with the HashTag, #MyChocolateExperience#ChocolateDay2020#EatGhana.
‘Year of Return’ draws thousands to Ghana’s stand at Vakantiebeurs 2020
Ghana’s biggest branding campaign “Year of Return” ended last year with heritage tourism being the core pull factor for the African American population. It will go down as one of the country’s biggest branding and tourism campaign and its effect were felt around the globe.
The country’s President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo who launched the project in America in 2018 has opened the new chapter which seeks to build on the goodwill the country has enjoyed to drive Diaspora investment into the West African country.
He launched the “Beyond the Return “ initiative and the Ghana Tourism Authority is expected to play a key role in the execution of this initiative.
Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) annually embarks on several marketing campaigns in its source markets. While there are new areas they seek to explore, GTA is equally keen to consolidate markets that have naturally been considered key to its marketing strategies.
The Netherlands is one of the countries they often showcase the country’s tourism assets. It’s capital, Amsterdam is connected to Accra daily by KLM and adds up to the factors which influence their choices. Vakantiebeurs Consumer Holiday Fair was the first stop for the Authority.
Millennials’ excitement about Ghana
Year of Return might have ended but the collateral success is still attracting people to Ghana. During the show, Millennials’ who visited Ghana’s stand were looking to visit Ghana at some point during the summer holidays. They made mention of programs such as Afrochella and AfroNation as some of the events they want to participate in.
Root/Heritage Tourism
The Suriname community in the Netherlands see Ghana as their natural home and can’t get enough of the rich Ghanaian culture.
Business & strategic meetings
The CEO of the GTA Akwasi Agyeman and his team held several meetings with hospitality and tourism institutions to explore a partnership to the benefit of Ghana’s burgeoning tourism sector.
Ghana Day Reception
The Ghana Day celebration has become one of the social events GTA holds to showcase the gastronomy of the country as well as the display of rich Ghanaian music and dance. Once again, the Year of Return vibe attracted hundreds of trade and consumers to the Ghana stand. Ghana’s Ambassador to the Netherlands H.E. Sophia Honar Sam led the cultural dancers with “Adowa” dance.
Private Sector Participation
M&J Travel and Tours
Jolinaiko Eco Tours
Exotic Adventures Ltd
Prospects of Netherlands-Belgium Markets
The GTA CEO in his remark to the press at the just ended exhibition said, they would like to continue the marketing efforts in the Netherlands and also encourage diasporans and Ghanaians living in the Netherlands to come home and invest in the country’s economy since it offers a better return on investment.
Source: Voyages Afriq
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