PPPs key in driving tourism dev – Treku

By Zeenatu ABUBAKAR, Accra

THE Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Convener of Inter Tourism Expo, Mr. Emmanuel Treku, has called for increased investments in tourism infrastructure to enhance the sector’s growth and global appeal.

Speaking on Zed In the Morning on Zed 101.9FM, ahead of the fourth edition of the Inter Tourism Expo, scheduled for September 11 to 13, Mr. Treku emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships (PPPs) in driving tourism development in Ghana.

During the interview, Mr. Treku highlighted the upcoming Tourism Expo, which is expected to attract over 200 exhibitors from Ghana and beyond. He expressed optimism about Ghana’s tourism potential but pointed out that much remains to be done, especially in terms of infrastructure development. According to him, investment in tourism-related facilities such as roads, hotels, car rentals, and restaurants is crucial for positioning Ghana as a top destination for international tourists.

Treku explained that these infrastructure components form an ecosystem that sustains the tourism sector. He stressed the need for PPPs to manage and develop tourist sites across the country. “We cannot always wait for the government to do it all; partnerships are the key to developing these segments,” he said. He also mentioned that these partnerships bring competition and quality of service, making the tourism experience more appealing.

As part of efforts to promote Ghana’s tourism sector, the Inter Tourism Expo aims to engage regions across the country, not just Accra. The event includes excursions to notable tourist sites, such as the Afadatu Basin and the Greenwich Meridian line in the Volta Region, creating social engagements and experiential learning for both local and international delegates. By highlighting regional tourism, the Expo seeks to broaden the scope of tourism development beyond the capital.

This year’s Expo, themed “Sustainable Public-Private Partnerships and Equitable Tourism Investment,” underscores the need for collaboration between the public and private sectors. Mr. Treku further noted that with the right partnerships, Ghana’s tourism could become a major contributor to the country’s GDP, rivaling sectors like cocoa and gold, which are finite resources.

In line with this vision, Mr. Treku proposed the conversion of tourist sites into free zone enclaves, where private companies can manage and develop these areas while collaborating with local assemblies. This model, he believes, will lead to better infrastructure, such as improved roads to tourist sites, while providing revenue for both private investors and the government.

The CEO also touched on the role of ancillary services in tourism. He pointed out that sectors like banking, food chains, creative arts, and education all play a part in the tourism value chain. Exhibitors from various sectors will showcase their products and services at the Expo, demonstrating the multifaceted nature of tourism and its capacity to support multiple industries. With the Expo’s continued success, Mr. Treku is confident that tourism in Ghana will continue to grow. He urged both the government and the private sector to seize the opportunity to invest in infrastructure that would help put Ghana on the map as a leading tourism destination.