The Domestic Tourism project of the Ghana Tourism Company Limited has received a boost with special trips organised for various groupings in the country.
The media took its turn yesterday with a ride on the company’s double-decker bus through the principal streets of the nation’s capital.
The trip took off from the offices of the Ghana Tourist Information Centre opposite Afrikiko.
The trip was especially arranged to pass through the Oxford Street, Osu, the Independence Square to the Lighthouse and James Fort.
Also taking part in the trip were managers of a project of relocating diasporans in Ghana.
The importance of domestic tourism was laid bare when members of the trip asked questions about sites like the James Fort, the first Accra Habour and other historical spots.
Mr. Jones Haruna Nelson, the Acting Director of Communications of the Ghana Tourist Company Limited, said arrangements are far advanced for the introduction of domestic tourism for not only foreigners but Ghanaians.
This way, he said, we as Ghanaians will appreciate our rich historical heritage.
The Accra tour, he said, will be replicated across the country later, adding that the cost of the tour will soon be announced and interested persons will be able to pay via MoMo.
It was at the James Fort area that a lot of questions were posed about the history of Accra.
Many expressed concern that in spite of the fact that the James Fort is a UNESCO heritage site, it remains in a derelict state; some portions of it on the verge of collapsing.
Some wondered whether when the new fishing harbour is completed the historical structures standing in the neighbourhood would not be demolished.
At the end of the tour, all were convinced that the importance of domestic tourism cannot be overlooked.
It would serve as a source of funds for the state and knowledge about our rich history.
As the double-decker bus meandered through the streets of Accra, residents and passersby turned their gazes at it, that being the first time that many were seeing the vehicle in town.
The voice of Mariama Yakubu announcing the various locations reached during the trip added to the education, an important segment of the tour.
There is no doubt that the Ghana Tourist Company Limited is serious about encouraging domestic tourism in the country.
By A.R. Gomda