Minister-designate for Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts, Dzifa Gomashie, has called for increased investment in cruise tourism, stressing its potential to boost Ghana’s tourism industry and unlock untapped opportunities.
Speaking during her vetting on Wednesday, January 22, Madam Gomashie acknowledged that cruise tourism is a relatively new area for the ministry but highlighted its promising prospects.
“Cruise tourism is an area that people have passion for and must be invested in and supported. The potential seems to be a very good one,” she stated.
Gomashie shared insights from a recent conversation with Navy officers, who highlighted the presence of dolphins in Ghana’s high waters, suggesting that this unique natural attraction could be integrated into the cruise experience, adding an exclusive element to Ghana’s offerings.
Although Gomashie admitted that cruise promotion was not a focus during her tenure as Deputy Minister of Tourism, she expressed eagerness to explore the sector further.
“It is an area that is new to me and the ministry. I will be engaging more on that and seek knowledge and experience from those who have it so that it can come to the benefit of our country,” she explained.
She noted that Ghana must capitalise on its natural resources and coastal location to develop cruise tourism as a viable economic venture.
“Untapped opportunities abound, and this is one of them. I thank you for bringing it up,” Gomashie concluded, signaling her commitment to exploring the potential of this niche market.