Ghana arguably has a great tourism potential but has poorly been managed over the years to boost the country’s economic fortunes. This is as a result of poor security, inaccessibility to secured transportation and poor maintenance of these tourist sites among others.
Despite these challenges the country has been ranked 120th, 12th and 6th in the world, Africa and West Africa respectively by the latest Global Travel and Tourism Competitive Index (TTCI).
However, speaking at a forum aimed at addressing challenges facing car rental companies in the tourism industry in Accra, President of the Ghana Tourism Federation, Nana Okatakyia Anim I implored government to turn attention on car rental companies in the country to stimulate economic growth.
He was of the view “government needs to support us by getting us tax exemption or waiver and put in place structures to stabilise our operations. Government is yet to meet our expectations but if these interventions are in place the tourism industry will witness tremendous growth.”
On his part, President of the Car Rental Association of Ghana, Seth Yeboah Ocran attributed the rampant road accidents in the country to what he tagged as “unrecognised individuals” who lack knowledge and expertise in vehicle renting and management.
He recalled “even after the accident involving the presidential press corps sometime ago, it was reported that the car was hired from a car rental company but our checks reveal that it was a roadside service people who are not part of us”.
Seth Ocran again added that it was about time they informed the public about “these people” in order to reduce preventable road accidents and also alley fears of tourists to make Ghana a preferred tourism destination.
The tourism sector maintains as the fourth highest foreign exchange earner and contributed $2.1 billion to the country’s GDP in 2014.
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