GTDC Launches New Tourism Platforms and Awards Scheme to Boost Sector Competitiveness
The Ghana Tourism Development Company Limited (GTDC), led by the Chief Executive Officer, Professor Kobby Mensah, has unveiled three major initiatives aimed at repositioning Ghana’s tourism sector for growth, competitiveness and inclusivity.
The initiatives include the Ghana Tourism Marketplace (GTM), the Ghana Tourism Investment Platform (GTIP), and the Destination Marketing Awards (DMA).
According to GTDC, the Ghana Tourism Marketplace will serve as a one-stop digital platform connecting businesses, products and services across the tourism value chain, linking providers directly with consumers. The Ghana Tourism Investment Platform, meanwhile, is designed to attract capital and partnerships to scale up businesses, enhance infrastructure, and expand opportunities in the sector.
The Destination Marketing Awards will celebrate excellence and innovation within the tourism industry, recognising institutions and individuals whose work raises Ghana’s profile as a leading global destination.
“These initiatives are not just projects of GTDC. They are shared opportunities that demand the participation, commitment and ownership of every stakeholder — government, private sector, communities and international partners alike,” Prof. Mensah stated at the launch.
He emphasised the importance of digitisation and innovation in aligning with the President’s vision of the “Black Star Experience.” The Ghana Tourism Marketplace, he noted, will allow both local and international tourists to pay for products and services virtually, eliminating the need for physical presence at tourism sites before making payments.
“The Ghana tourism marketplace is very important because tourism is moving virtually. With this, people can actually pay for their tickets and consume the product even before they arrive. We can also help businesses promote themselves without having physical assets, offering broader and more competitive opportunities,” he said.
Prof. Mensah further highlighted the role of digital content creation in global tourism marketing, stressing that Ghana must leverage young people’s creativity to improve online visibility and engagement.
“The competition is no longer company by company but region by region. If your region has what it takes, be on the platform and let’s market your region. Festivals, hotels, restaurants and tour companies all have to showcase what they offer,” he added.
The GTDC assured stakeholders of its full support and partnership to ensure successful implementation of the initiatives, positioning Ghana’s tourism industry as sustainable, resilient, and globally competitive.
