“Tourism is much more than travelling, sightseeing and hospitality.” — Hon. George Justice Arthur, Cape Coast Mayor.

The Mayor of Cape Coast, Hon. George Justice Arthur, has emphasised the importance of tourism in driving economic growth, creating jobs and strengthening local businesses. He made the remarks at the opening of the sixth edition of the Inter-Tourism Expo Accra (iNTTA), held at the Ridge Royal Hotel in Cape Coast on Wednesday, October 21, 2026.

According to him, tourism goes beyond travel, sightseeing and hospitality, describing the sector as a powerful ecosystem that supports employment, entrepreneurship, infrastructure development, cultural preservation and international cooperation.

“Tourism is a powerful ecosystem that supports employment, entrepreneurship, infrastructural development, culture preservation and international cooperation,” he said.

Mr Arthur stressed the need for tourism development to benefit local communities by creating opportunities for businesses and individuals across different sectors of the economy. “We must build a tourism that builds and retains our community, strengthen local business and create decent opportunities for our young people and women,” he added.

He called for stronger partnerships between tourism businesses and local producers, including farmers, fishers, food vendors, transport operators and artisans, to ensure that the benefits of tourism reach more people within the local economy.

The Mayor also encouraged investors to explore opportunities in heritage accommodation, hospitality, cultural enterprises, food processing and digital tourism. He said Cape Coast could strengthen its position as a tourism destination by combining its rich historical and cultural heritage with investment, innovation and sustainable development.

The three-day iNTTA expo, which runs from October 21 to 23, brings together investors, policymakers, entrepreneurs and tourism professionals to explore opportunities in tourism, agribusiness, trade and digital innovation. The event seeks to strengthen partnerships across key economic sectors and promote investment opportunities in Ghana and across Africa.