Green tourism vital for investment

– For economic, social and environmental benefits – Okraku Mantey

Deputy Minister of Tourism Arts and Culture Mark Okraku Mantey, has said green investments in the tourism industry is critical in providing far-reaching economic, social, and environmental benefits to the host country and communities.

Green investments involve using money and resources to support eco-friendly practices in the tourism industry.

Speaking at this year’s World Tourism Day celebrations at Ada in Greater Accra Region, Mr Mantey  said “Green investments are means to creating stronger linkages with the local economy and increasing local development potentials leading to an indefinite sustainability of activities in the social, economic and environmental context.” 

Investment plays an important role in the recovery of global tourism and needs to contribute more to its greener and more sustainable future.

The sector is highly vulnerable to climate change and at the same time leads to significant emissions of greenhouse gases.

Looking into the future, the need to reduce emissions provides a significant investment opportunity in green buildings for hotels, resorts and restaurants.

In addition, tourism offers investment opportunities related to new solutions and technologies to decarbonize the sector and to ensure climate resilient infrastructure through adaptation solutions.

Green tourism, also known as sustainable tourism, eco-tourism, or responsible tourism, is a form of tourism that focuses on minimizing the negative impact of travel and promoting environmental conservation and social responsibility.

Green tourism aims to create a balance between economic growth and environmental and social responsibility, allowing tourists to enjoy travel experiences while also contributing to the preservation of the natural and cultural heritage of the destination.

Green tourism promotes the conservation of natural resources, wildlife, and ecosystems.

It encourages tourists to appreciate and respect nature and to minimize their impact on the environment.

Green tourism often involves visiting remote and rural areas where local cultures and traditions are still intact to preserve and promote cultural diversity.

Sustainable tourism can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by promoting low-carbon transportation, energy-efficient accommodations, and sustainable food practices.

Green tourism promotes responsible travel practices, such as reducing waste, conserving water and energy, and using eco-friendly products.

Green tourism can raise awareness about environmental and social issues and promote sustainable living practices. This can help to inspire tourists to make positive changes in their own lives and contribute to global efforts to address these challenges

The types of green tourism include cultural tourism, wildlife tourism, geotourism, health and wellness tourism, and volunteer tourism.

There are several types of green tourism, including ecotourism, Agritourism, community-based tourism, adventure tourism, sustainable tourism, cultural tourism, wildlife tourism, Geotourism, health and wellness tourism, and volunteer tourism.

The World Tourism Organization has emphasized the importance of targeted investment in people, the planet, and prosperity to unlock tourism’s potential to offer more inclusive and sustainable growth for the planet through innovation and entrepreneurship.

Given this, Mr Mantey said the Ministry of Tourism Arts and Culture is committed to putting in place targeted investments to continuously promote the sector to take advantage of the economic benefits of the industry,”.

He urged stakeholders to increase the promotion of sustainable ecotourism and to invest in people and the world.

According to him, the development of ecotourism would be dependent on the preservation of tangible and intangible components of culture, environment, gastronomy, and fashion in line with the government’s “Eat, Wear, and See Ghana” policy. 

He noted that given Ghana’s thriving ecotourism industry, the theme for this year’s World Tourism Day celebration “Tourism and Green Investments; Investing in People, Planet and Prosperity,” was not only timely but important.

The Deputy Minister stated that the ministry had begun investing in tourism-related interventions at some selected eco-tourism sites, as well as several museums and monuments, through the Ghana Tourism Development initiative.

He stated that the Ministry has successfully organized and educated 3,000 drivers in Kumasi through the Ghana Tourist Development Company as part of the endeavour to create the skill set required to strengthen the tourism industry.

Mr Mantey said the Day is observed each year to highlight the tourism sector’s unique ability to drive economic development, preserve and promote culture and heritage, and give opportunities for everybody.

He noted that the theme for the Day reflected the symbiotic relationship between tourism, the environment, the planet, and the people.

“It shows how tourism could be used as a vehicle to promote the development of a competitive and sustainable growth for the people through traditional innovative investments.”

He thanked the Chiefs and people of Ada for their assistance in commemorating the day and urged the District Assembly to prioritize tourism promotion in its development strategy.

Mr Akwasi Agyeman, Chief Executive Officer of GTA called for a change in attitudes towards the environment.

“We cannot continue to degrade the environment…we must be conscious of the fact that climate change is affecting the environment because of the way we live, so we need to preserve the environment.”

He said the celebration was also a call to action for business owners to consider more sustainable ways of doing things.

“We need to create the jobs that people need. Try through tourism promotion to create the jobs that we need,” he said.

Mr Kwasi Eyison, Ghana Tourism Federation, said the celebration was an opportunity to reconsider tourism as a force for positive change, environmental preservation, and a source of sustainable economic growth.

 “We must therefore embrace marketing and promotions…we must advocate for policies and regulations that incentivize green investment in tourism and invest in research and innovation to find innovative solutions to the challenges facing our industry.

He also advocated for continuous interaction among the public, business, and academic sectors to guide the industry.

Madam Sarah Dugbakie Pobee, District Chief Executive for Ada East, thanked the Ministry and GTA for selecting Ada for the celebration and pledged to work together to enhance the area’s potential tourism resources through public and private sector partnerships.