Growing these markets is, however, not easy as most Nigerians and west African are yet to understand the concept of leisure tourism as it is a relatively a new experience to them.
OPPORTUNITIES
There are several ways of encouraging tourists from Africa to visit Ghana – shopping being one of the most important. The ministry of Tourism and its marketing agency –the Ghana Tourist Board (GTB) should be working closely with several tour companies to develop packages that would encourage visit to our country. For example two years ago, when about seven thousand Jehovah Witnesses visited Ghana, l happened to guide some of them to many of our attraction sites. One attraction that was in so much demand by groups from West Africa especially the Nigerians was Makola market. The Nigerians insisted that without a visit to the Makola market, their tour of Ghana would never be complete. Guess what, they spent close to five hours shopping in Makola, and yet complained that we did not give them enough time to shop. Such is the popularity of our Makola market. Special shopping packages can be offered to groups from neighboring countries.
The Akosombo dam and the Kakum National Park were also in high demand and special sightseeing and shopping packages can also be targeted at schools and social groups. Such packages for example would include bus fare to and from Ghana, hotel accommodation, as well as discount vouchers for restaurants, movies, cultural performances and other entertainment.
A SAFE DESTINATION
A very important characteristic of Ghana that attracts people from ECOWAS and indeed all over Africa is the fact that the people regard Ghana as a relatively peaceful and safe destination especially in terms of low crime rate and general the peaceful nature of the people. Our proverbial hospitality is also amazing the visitor.
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