GTA Champions Eco-Conscious Travel for World Tourism Day

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Promoting Sustainable Tourism and Environmental Stewardship

The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has taken a proactive stance in promoting sustainable tourism practices, especially on the occasion of World Tourism Day. This year's event, celebrated under the theme “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation,” highlights the role of tourism as a driver for positive change and development.

World Tourism Day is observed annually to emphasize the importance of tourism in fostering social, cultural, political, and economic growth. It also underscores the sector’s contribution to achieving global sustainable development goals. This year, the celebrations were marked by a strong focus on environmental responsibility and conservation efforts.

The commemoration took place at the Accra Zoo, where GTA officials and their partners engaged in activities aimed at promoting environmental protection. These included planting trees and donating trash cans to the zoo as part of broader conservation advocacy efforts. The event served as a platform to reinforce the need for responsible tourism practices that prioritize the preservation of natural resources.

Mrs. Roberta Dawson Amoah, the Greater Accra Regional Director of the GTA, emphasized the significance of natural resources in tourism development. She highlighted that while the theme for this year encompasses several priority areas, the focus was on responsible stewardship of the environment. According to her, natural resources are crucial for sustaining tourism, and it is essential to advocate for sustainable development practices.

“Natural resources play a very pivotal role in tourism development. We are advocating for sustainable tourism development and saying let’s be responsible stewards of the environment,” she stated. Her remarks underscored the need for minimal environmental impact, particularly in ecotourism sites.

Ms. Amoah further explained that the national event for this year would take place in the Volta region on September 27, with other regions celebrating earlier in the month. She stressed the importance of protecting the environment while ensuring that it remains accessible for future generations.

The GTA demonstrated its commitment to environmental sustainability during the celebration by avoiding the use of plastic water bottles. This practical approach reflected the organization’s intention to “walk the talk” when it comes to eco-friendly practices.

“We celebrate the day, we are intentional about walking the talk. And so today, we are not using water in plastic bottles. We’ve donated a trash can to the Accra Zoo and so whoever walks in here should also care and leave it in a state that will be beneficial to those yet to come,” she added.

Dr. Gilbert Gyebi, Acting Manager of the Accra Zoo, pointed out the environmental challenges facing Ghana, including illegal mining activities that have impacted water resources and the broader ecosystem. He emphasized the critical role of conservation in safeguarding these resources from pollution and degradation.

“The importance of conservation cannot be over-emphasized. It is essential for us to protect it from pollution and degradation. Environmental protection requires collective effort from all citizens because pollution in distant regions affects everyone through interconnected water systems and food chains,” he noted.

Private sector partners also played a significant role in supporting the event. Mr. Samson King Afordofer, Manager of Simba Holidays, expressed the company’s belief in building good relationships with regulators to support and sustain tourism. Ms. Yvonne Teteh from HelGuard Tours echoed this sentiment, highlighting the interconnection between tourism and conservation.

“Tourism is not just about visiting places but about protecting them. The interconnection between tourism and conservation creates value,” she said.

World Tourism Day serves as a reminder of the transformative power of tourism. It encourages stakeholders to reflect on how the sector can contribute to sustainable development while preserving the natural and cultural heritage of communities. As the global tourism industry continues to evolve, the emphasis on responsible and sustainable practices becomes increasingly vital.