Tourism Ministry to pursue practical initiatives to promote international tourism.

The Minister of Tourism Mr. Mike Gizo has said the ministry and its implementing agencies are pursuing practical initiatives in ensuring the expansion of international tourism in order to bring socio-economic benefits to the country including generating income, employment, foreign exchange earnings and government revenues.

Speaking at the weekly meet the press series in Accra Accra, he said domestic tourism is also being aggressively encouraged and facilitated in order for Ghanaians to become more aware of and appreciate their historic, cultural and environmental heritage.

The Ghana Tourist Board, under the supervision of the ministry is ensuring that all tourists facilities and services in the country are made to satisfy acceptable sanitation, safety and remain environmentally compatible.

The Minister confirmed that between 1989 and 1997, the number of hotels in Ghana grew from 273 to 766. The ministry is also looking forward to increases from pipeline projects like the 100 bedroom Kumasi Novotel, the 400-bedroom 5-star luxury Intercontinental hotel and the 180-bedroom Ambassador-Sheraton Hotel.

Indeed the Minister gave a warm welcome to GRi's plans to produce a Travel & Tourism edition in July. Speaking to the Editor in Chief in Accra, Mr Gizo said "... your efforts in promoting Ghana are most welcome". The Director for Research at the Ministry has been put at the disposal of GRi to collaborate in the production.