Ghana has been elected to serve on the Executive Council of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) at the 21st session of the General Assembly of the UNWTO held in Medellin, Colombia.

The Executive Council is the UNWTO’s highest decision making body and responsible for ensuring that the organisation carries out its mandate.

The General Assembly is the supreme organ for the UNWTO. Its ordinary sessions are held every two years and attended by delegates from UNWTO‘s Full and Associate Members.

It is considered the most important global meeting of Tourism Ministers, senior tourism officials, and high level representatives from the private sector.

Ghana’s election was in recognition of its efficient hosting of the Brand Africa conference in Accra in August this year, and its special role in the affairs of the international tourism body.

The election was also to underscore the Government’s commitment towards the development of tourism, culture and creative arts in the country.

Commenting on Ghana’s election, Mrs Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, who led Ghana’s delegation to the global tourism conference in Colombia, said the election puts Ghana on the spotlight in global tourism.

She praised His Excellency President Mahama for his commitment to the promotion, marketing and development of tourism in Ghana.

She revealed that Ghana’s image on the international tourism scene was soaring and more needed to be done to maximise the benefits in terms of arrivals and revenue.

She alluded to the fact that Ghana’s election was in recognition of the Ministry’s prudent and efficient policy interventions in using tourism as a tool for poverty alleviation and economic empowerment.

Ghana has been listed among 36 countries to be visited by travellers in 2016. The list was compiled by a group of 35 experienced and well-travelled bloggers from around the world, who specialise in adventure travel, ecotourism, cultural travel and family travel.

Ghana continues to find a sustainable means of expanding and harnessing its tourism potential in order to attract local and foreign tourists alike.

In recent times, the country’s Tourism Ministry and its implementing agency, the Ghana Tourism Authority have continued to introduce and expand a wide array of tourism related programmes and activities in order to sustain interest and increase earnings within the sector.

A member of the group who usually writes about the country, Elin Reitehaug reiterates this by a short summary on the country’s tourism sector; ‘’you are invited’’ is the standard phrase uttered when Ghanaians start eating. As a traveler in Ghana, you are always invited. Hike Afadjato, the highest mountain in Ghana, or go bird watching on a canopy walk in the rainforest of Kakum National Park, the country’s first protected area. To spot elephants, visit Mole National Park.

In Bolgantaga you’ll discover the rich culture of the Frafra people, known for weaving the world-famous Bolga baskets. In Elmina and along Cape Coast you’ll find several castles and forts recognized by UNESCO. Enjoy the beaches, which are popular for locals during weekends and holidays, when families and young people come to swim and play. Learn to play drums from energetic musicians at the Art Centre in Accra, or attend cultural events such as festivals and traditional celebrations of birth, marriage and death.’

The list also comprised countries such as, Quebec, South Africa, India, Bolivia, Brazil, Botswana, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Colombia, Cuba, Ethiopia, Greenland, Madagascar, Mauritius, Canada, South Africa, among others and was put together by Green Global Travel, an Ecotourism, Nature/Wildlife Conservation and Cultural Preservation Magazine.

The Ghana Tourism Authority under the Auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture & Creative Arts is marking this year’s National chocolate day with tours to cocoa farms and line of activities in Accra.

This year’s celebration is under the theme: ‘Chocolate: The Gift of Love’ and it will be held at the West Hills Mall in Accra.

Programme of activities lined up for this year’s event include a tour to Tetteh Quarshie and Jubilee Cocoa Farms at the Mampong Akuapem by school children, tourist clubs as well as the general public today.

During the tour, participants will be educated on the history behind the cocoa farms, harvesting process and an educational forum on cocoa products to promote the consumption of cocoa-based products.

There will be exhibition of cocoa-based products alongside the chef’s culinary competition at the West Hill Mall tomorrow.

Regional offices of the Tourism Authority will hold similar events such as tours to agro-based farms for school children and tourist clubs.
The National Chocolate Day in its ninth (10th) year since its introduction onto the tourism calendar of events has increased awareness on the positive effect on the consumption of chocolate and also minimized anti-social vices associated with the celebration of Valentine’s Day,