The Africa Tourism Research Network (ATRN), a non-political, non-religious, and non-governmental Civil Society Organisation (CSO), was successfully launched in Accra, Ghana, on Wednesday, 5 April 2023. ATRN is dedicated to advocating for higher travel and tourism research, analysis, and marketing standards. The network aims to contribute to advancing national, regional, and global tourism research by bringing together the most talented and knowledgeable individuals in the travel and tourism research field.

Several high-profile speakers, including Emmanuel Frimpong, Joseph Mensah-Ansah, Dr Kwesi Eyison, Devizes Kwame Owusu-Ansah, and former Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports, and Marine Minister Alain St.Ange of Seychelles attended the launch event. St.Ange, invited to speak as an expert in the field of Tourism and Travel, delivered his speech in front of a packed conference room in his well-known style of speaking from the heart with no written notes.

During his speech, St.Ange emphasized the importance of every Ghanaian standing behind their tourism industry, adding that the launch of ATRN was a big step in consolidating tourism, not just as an activity but as an industry. He also highlighted the significance of accurate data and factual information for tourism growth, stating that everyone must have credible information about relative facts and figures. St.Ange congratulated Emmanuel Frimpong and his team for the launch of ATRN, calling it a significant milestone for the tourism industry in Ghana and Africa.

St.Ange also used the opportunity to promote the ‘Buy Ghana’ concept, encouraging Ghanaians to be proud of locally-made products and stand behind their industries. He specifically mentioned the Ghana cocoa industry and the excellent local chocolates, urging Ghanaians to buy Made in Ghana products.

The launch of ATRN in Ghana is a significant step towards promoting tourism research and analysis in Africa. By bringing together experts and professionals from academia, government agencies, and research institutions, ATRN aims to enhance the quality of tourism research and analysis on a regional and global scale.

The establishment of ATRN in Ghana is also timely, given the recent growth in the tourism industry in the country. In 2019, Ghana received over 1.1 million international tourists, generating about $2.5 billion in revenue. The launch of ATRN is expected to contribute significantly to the growth and sustainability of the tourism industry in Ghana and Africa.

In conclusion, the launch of ATRN in Ghana, with an address by former Seychelles Minister Alain St.Ange, is a significant milestone for the tourism industry in Africa. The network’s focus on promoting higher standards in tourism research, analysis, and marketing is a step in the right direction towards enhancing the quality of tourism in the region. The call to ‘Buy Ghana’ and support locally-made products is also a vital message that resonates with the country’s efforts towards sustainable economic growth.

Written by: Stephen Morton

====================================