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The Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) has called on hoteliers to provide comprehensive data for the upcoming Accommodation Unit Survey (AUS).
The survey aims to collect critical information on Ghana’s accommodation sector in order to enhance tourism growth and inform evidence-based policies
The exercise, which is expected to start by the end of November this year and end in October next year, will cover all 261 districts of the 16 regions across the country.
Speaking at the closing of the AUS training at Winneba in the Central Region on Wednesday, the acting Deputy Government Statisticians, GSS, Edward Asuo Afram, mentioned that the success of the accommodation survey largely depended on data which will be provided by the hoteliers.
He emphasised that obtaining accurate data on the state of accommodation facilities will enable the GSS to assess its current condition and drive necessary improvements.
These enhancements, he said, will be carried out in collaboration with the relevant stakeholders in the tourism sector to ensure the industry’s growth and competitiveness.
President, Ghana Hotel Association, Dr Edward Ackah-Nyamike, pledged the association’s commitment to providing the necessary data and assistance.
President for Ghana Progressive Hotel Association, Emmanuel Geadda-Asando, advised trainees involved in the survey to adopt a respectful and non-aggressive approach when gathering data from hoteliers.
He stressed that cooperation was key to the survey’s success, noting that his team had thoroughly prepared for the exercise across various regions, including Northern and the Ashanti Region.
“We have combed the entire country from Tamale, Ashanti Region, among other regions, and our people are ready for the exercise.
“We urge the surveyors to exercise patience in their dealings to ensure a smooth process,” Geadda-Asando stated.
Director of Research, Monitoring and Evaluation, Ghana Tourism Authority, Dr Spancer Doku, stated that the data collection will help develop the sector which has gained revenues over the years.
He commended the GSS for leading the process, and collaborating with key stakeholders to conduct tourism satellite account to improve the country’s tourism sector.
Chairman of the National Technical Advisory Committee of the TSA project, Professor Kwaku Adutwum Ayim Boakye, assured that once completed, findings will be published to form the basis for further surveys within the TSA’s framework which collectively aim to boost Ghana’s tourism competitiveness and economic contribution.
FROM RAISSA SAMBOU,
WINNEBA
