The President of the Tour Operators Union of Ghana (TOUGHA), Mrs. Alisa Osei-Asamoah, received prestigious recognition for her exceptional leadership and contribution to the growth of tourism in Africa at this year’s Africa Tourism Leadership Awards.
The event, held in Gaborone, Botswana, on October 6, celebrated leaders, institutions and businesses who have made a significant impact on the continent’s tourism industry.
Mrs. Osei-Asamoah earned the esteemed 1st Runner-Up award in the “Women in Leadership” category, a testament to her dedication and influence within the tourism sector. This accolade marked a significant achievement for the President and recognized her outstanding work in a highly competitive field.
The competition was fierce, with notable nominees including Prof Nellie Swart (University of South Africa), South Africa; Muchanyuka (CEO – Zimbabwe Tourism Authority), Zimbabwe; and Judy Kepher-Gona (STTA), Kenya. However, it was Lizanne Du Plessis: Eco Africa Digital, South Africa, who emerged as the ultimate winner.
The award committee carefully shortlisted these five outstanding women from hundreds of nominations, followed by a rigorous voting and adjudication process audited by BDO South Africa.
Although Mrs. Osei-Asamoah was unable to attend the awards ceremony in person, she expressed her heartfelt appreciation upon receiving the award later. She shared her delight at being recognized alongside some of the most accomplished and prominent women in Africa’s tourism industry, saying, “This was just unimaginable to be part of this list of well-accomplished and prominent women in the continent’s tourism space. And to emerge as the first runner-up, to me, is a blessing.”
The CEO of Riali Consult also extended her gratitude to the organizers of the awards scheme, stating, “I am grateful to be included in the list of shining stars in Africa’s tourism. I am confident that this recognition will inspire me to continue giving my best as a female leader in the tourism scene.”
The award certificate acknowledged Mrs. Osei-Asamoah as “the most inspiring and influential leading woman who has, and continues to make outstanding contributions to changing the course of tourism development in Africa.”
The 6th Africa Tourism Leadership Awards were presented by Africa Tourism Partners and Botswana Tourism in collaboration with the Africa Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat, the United Nations World Tourism Organisation and BDO South Africa.
