Tourism sector to enhance data collection system

Accra, Feb. 14, GNA - The government of South Africa and AngloGold Ashanti are sponsoring two research officials from the tourism sector for a two-week study tour of Pretoria to enhance data collection in the industry.

Mr Owusu Amoakohene, Research Advisor to the Ministry of Tourism and Modernization of the Capital City, and Mr Martin Twum, acting Director of Research, Statistics and Information at the Ghana Tourist board, who left Accra on February 13 this year, are expected to return home with improved knowledge on tourism data collection, processing and dissemination.

A statement signed by Ms Victoria Antwi Sarpong, Public Relations Officer at the Ministry, said effective data collection, processing and dissemination of information would justify the important role tourism plays in the economi c and social development and its contribution to poverty reduction.

The training programme is part of the Ministry's strategies to improve the tourism industry.

During the tour, the two officials will visit tourism organizations in South Africa. They will also interact with officials from the Statistics Unit of South Africa Tourism Authority.