Visas on arrival are a great boost to tourism -- Minister

The Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, has welcomed the president's decision of allowing the country to issue visas on arrival to all citizens within the AU, saying it is a great boost to Ghana’s tourism.

Speaking at the sidelines of the ongoing ITB fair in Berlin, the Minister said the president’s announcement will ensure travellers go through a hassle-free process in acquiring visas.

“Visas have always been a challenge for travelers, and now that you don't need to acquire a visa prior to your journey it will encourage more people to come and see our beautiful country,” she maintained.

Mrs. Ofosu-Adjare also underscored the investment opportunities the country's tourism sector stands to get from this move: “There will be good business for hotels and restaurants, and it will also encourage people to invest in our country.  When there is more traffic, there is need for these people to sleep in hotels and eat in restaurants. What thiss means is that if you invest in hotels and restaurants, there will be good returns on your investments”.

The ripple-effect, she said, will be the creation of more employment because “the more the restaurants and hotels, the more people they will employ”.

Ghana will start issuing visas on arrival to citizens of all member-countries of the African Union, Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama disclosed during the country’s Independence Day celebration in Accra.

Starting from July this year, all 54 AU member-states will be accorded these privileges when they arrive in Ghana from their respective countries.  Ghana currently offers visa-free entry for citizens of 15 countries within the Economic Community of West African Countries.

Mrs. Ofosu-Adjare also held discussions with Secretary General of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) Dr. Taleb Rifai, and colleague Tourism Ministers from Kenya, Gambia and Sierra Leone.

Ghana’s Tourism sector participated in the 50^th International Tourism Bourse (ITB), Berlin. The Sector Minister led Ghana’s delegation to the exhibition, along with officials from the Ghana Tourism Authority and Ministry of Tourism, Culture & Creative Arts.

Other private sector players include Sunseekers Tours, Jet Away Travels, Land Tours, Apstar Tours, Ghana Airports Company Limited, Golden Tulip Hotel Accra, and Ghana Tourist Development Company.