Investors Must Now Submit Plans To GTB

Sunyani (B/A), Aug. 4, - Potential investors in the tourism sector are now obliged to submit their plans and proposals to the Ghana Tourist Board (GTB) for study and approval before the execution of the projects, Mr E. E. Komla, deputy executive director of the board, has said. Mr Komla was addressing the first brong-ahafo regional tourism awards night organised at Sunyani by the board to reward corporate bodies, communities and individuals for their contributions to the development of the tourism industry in the region. He cautioned that those who fail to comply with the directive, would be denied operational licence. The directive is aimed at ensuring quality of tourism facilities and services and the enhancement of the country's image as a top tourist destination, Mr Komla said it is regrettable that at a time when the government is making every effort to put the country on the world tourism map, a few unscrupulous operators in the sector are persistently refusing to adhere to laid down regulations. The board, he said, is currently strengthening its regulatory capabilities to flush out all those whose sub-standard operations are under-mining the efforts of the government in promoting tourism as a leading foreign exchange earner. The regional minister, Mr David osei-Wusu, said the region's tourism potential is unique.