On the sidelines of the 121st Executive Council Meeting of the UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), the Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Hon. Andrew Egyapa Mercer, held talks with the Spanish Secretary of State for Industry and Tourism, Rosario Sánchez Grau.
The crux of the bilateral talks bordered on the draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Ghana and the Kingdom of Spain which touches on cooperation in the recovery of historic buildings, investment, information exchange, technical assistance and tourism promotion.
Hon. Mercer noted that for a country whose tourism sector accounts for 11.6% of GDP, Ghana could learn a lot from Spain. Accordingly, he noted the need to expeditiously conclude the MoU. He also underscored the need for private sector investment in Ghana’s Hotel industry to boost healthy market competition.
The Minister also tabled the need for enhanced flight connectivity between both countries. Binter Canarias Air Carrier’s interest in adding Accra to its list of flight destinations was revisited. This would allow direct flights from the Canary Islands to Accra, a three-hour flight, and would encourage tourists to commute.
The Spanish Secretary expressed Spain’s commitment to concluding the MoU. She shared that as Ghana strives to develop its Tourism sector, it is important to make intentional efforts to preserve national culture and customs. She also advised that connectivity and digitalisation are key tools for enhancing information sharing and
is crucial for attracting tourists.
The Hon. Minister acknowledged with commendation, Spain’s manifest commitment to Africa. He cited the 3rd Plan Africa, a revision of the strategic framework of Spain’s Foreign Policy in Africa. He noted the need to enhance the visibility of Spain’s impact in Africa. He reiterated the need to strengthen ties between both states.
Hon. Mercer was accompanied by Ghana’s Ambassador to Spain, H.E. Muhammad Adam and the Director for Tourism at the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Geoffrey Tamakloe.
