Tourism beyond financial venture
AS Ghana celebrates World Tourism Day with the theme ‘Tourism and Peace’, the call by tourism expert Professor Gabriel Eshun to view tourism beyond financial benefits deserves attention. Tourism, as he emphasized, is a powerful tool for fostering intercultural exchange and understanding, key elements in promoting global peace.
While tourism is undoubtedly a revenue generator, its true potential lies in its ability to bridge cultural divides. Ghana’s rich heritage, peaceful reputation, and renowned hospitality offer more than just economic value.
Indeed, it presents an opportunity to promote the country as a destination for peace-building and unity. Professor Eshun’s assertion that safety and security are critical for attracting tourists further underscores the need for a well-rounded strategy that goes beyond finances to include cultural diplomacy.
Seth Yeboah Ocran’s suggestion to involve traditional chiefs in tourism development is essential. Chiefs, as custodians of Ghanaian culture, play a pivotal role in preserving heritage and promoting cultural tourism.
Their participation can enhance tourism experiences, showcasing local traditions, festivals, and customs while ensuring that tourism development respects and protects Ghana’s cultural and natural resources.
Incorporating cultural values, such as Ghana’s warmth and conviviality, into the tourism strategy can create a distinctive brand for the country. However, this must be done sustainably. Protecting resources, involving local communities, and ensuring tourism revenues benefit these communities are crucial for long-term growth.
As UN Secretary-General António Guterres noted, responsible tourism fosters peace and global unity. Ghana, one of Africa’s most peaceful countries, is well-positioned to lead by example in promoting tourism that values cultural respect and sustainability.
Ghana’s tourism strategy should therefore reflect a balance—financial growth, cultural preservation, and community involvement. By prioritizing local festivals, traditions, and crafts, and ensuring the benefits of tourism trickle down to local communities, Ghana can build a tourism sector that is not only profitable but also a force for peace and intercultural understanding.
In this way, Ghana can continue to honour its rich heritage while contributing to a more unified and peaceful world.
