The President of the Tour Operators’ Union of Ghana (TOUGHA), Mrs. Alisa Osei-Asamoah, has called for deeper partnerships between Ghana and South Africa to unlock tourism growth.
She made this appeal during a breakfast meeting with South Africa’s Minister of Tourism, Hon. Patricia de Lille, at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra.
Addressing industry stakeholders, Mrs. Osei-Asamoah underscored the significance of the meeting’s theme, ‘Building Partnerships to Unlock Tourism Growth Between South Africa and Ghana.’ She stated, “As two of Africa’s leading tourism destinations, our nations share not only a deep historical connection but also a strong commitment to developing the tourism industry as a key driver of economic growth and job creation.”
She highlighted the positive impact of the visa-free travel agreement between Ghana and South Africa, which came into effect in late 2023. “Since this policy was implemented, we have witnessed an exponential increase in travel and tourism between our two nations. The ease of movement has encouraged greater business exchanges, cultural tourism, and increased leisure travel, proving that when barriers are removed, opportunities flourish,” she said.
Mrs. Osei-Asamoah praised the ongoing collaboration between TOUGHA and South African Tourism, which dates back to 2022 when both entities held a Business Dialogue in Accra. “The following year, TOUGHA mobilised an unprecedented number of its members to attend Africa’s Travel Indaba in Durban and jointly host the historic NANTA-TOUGHA Tourism Conference in Johannesburg with our Nigerian counterparts,” she noted, adding that TOUGHA has since participated in roadshows and other engagements that have strengthened intra-African travel.
Acknowledging key stakeholders in the partnership, she commended South African Tourism’s Head of West Africa Region, Thekiso Rakolojane, and Trade Relations Manager, Mohammad Kwajaffa, for their “tireless effort in fostering this close collaboration.”
Despite the progress, Mrs. Osei-Asamoah called for more strategic partnerships between tour operators, tourism agencies, airlines, and hospitality providers in both nations. “To fully maximise these gains, we must foster stronger collaborations through joint marketing initiatives, packaged tours, investment in tourism infrastructure, and skills exchange programmes,” she stated.
While acknowledging the high number of Ghanaian visitors to South Africa, she challenged South African tourists to explore Ghana’s rich cultural and historical offerings. “There is so much to explore, from our historic castles and forts to our vibrant festivals and breathtaking ecotourism sites,” she said.
She also advocated for improved air connectivity, urging South African Airways to increase its flight schedules to Accra. “With the increasing interest in South Africa among Ghanaian travellers, it is our hope that South African Airways can increase its flight schedules to daily flights with more direct flight options,” she stressed.
Concluding her remarks, Mrs. Osei-Asamoah reaffirmed TOUGHA’s commitment to facilitating partnerships that enhance tourism experiences between Ghana and South Africa. “Today’s gathering is not just about discussions; it is about action. Let us seize this opportunity to chart new pathways for sustained tourism growth between Ghana and South Africa,” she urged.
In a light-hearted close, she referenced Minister de Lille’s appreciation for Ghanaian Kente fabric, saying, “Honourable Minister, I know you love our Kente, and I hope on your way back to South Africa, you carry an extra luggage full of the different colours and designs of Ghana’s most iconic fabric, which I am happy to say has gained UNESCO recognition as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.”
The event, attended by key industry players, formed part of several engagements by the visiting Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille who is in Ghana on an Outreach Engagement Mission.
