The Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) is to launch a data collection initiative (AUS) aimed at providing reliable data for policy makers in the tourism sector.

Accordingly, the Accommodation Unit Survey when completed will help to inform policies and interventions in the hospitality industry.

This was disclosed by the Vice Chancellor of Cape Coast Technical University and Chairman of the National Technical Advisory Committee (NTAC) of the Tourism Satellite Account (TSA) project, Professor Kwaku Boakye at a stakeholders’ engagement meeting held at Tamale.

In his speech, Professor Boakye said that it is obvious that the tourism sector has a very strong potential to become a major driver in Ghana’s economy.  He was however quick to point out that the sector has suffered many years of misunderstanding and subsequent neglect by those to whom its development has been entrusted.

The Vice Chancellor revealed that one symptom of this neglect is the prolonged absence of credible data as a base for developing the sector. He therefore commended the Ghana Statistical Service for taking a very bold decision in 2022 to lead the process of collaborating with key stakeholders to conduct a Tourism Satellite Account to provide a clearer picture of the size and importance of the country’s tourism sector.

The Tourism Satellite Account (TSA) has four components namely: Domestic and Outbound Tourism Survey (DOTS), Ghana International Travellers’ Survey (GITS), Accommodation Unit Survey (AUS), Tourism Supply Establishment Survey (TSES)

All four are key components of the TSA and when completed in 2025 will give the first ever clear, objective picture of the scope of tourism and most importantly, its contribution to the country’s Gross Domestic Product.

The data collection for the first two have ended and reports writing are ongoing. The third one, the AUS was the focus of the stakeholders’ engagement.

Source: SonShinne News/ Jessica Johnson