Headlines for Holiday and Hospitality News
Ghana’s Hospitality Industry Sees Strong Rebound
Ghana Embassy in Washington D.C. which was temporarily closed reopens
Hyatt to Acquire Dream Hotel Group, Expanding Global Lifestyle Portfolio
The Ghana Embassy in Washington D.C. is set to reopen on Thursday, May 29, following a temporary closure due to a major corruption scandal involving an IT breach. The closure, which began on May 26, allowed for a full systems overhaul after a locally recruited staff member, Fred Kwarteng, was found to have diverted visa and passport applicants to a private platform, charging unauthorized fees for personal gain.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has since deployed a new team of seasoned diplomats and IT experts to restore integrity, reconfigure the Embassy’s systems, and eliminate unofficial links. The case has been referred to the Attorney-General for possible prosecution, while the Auditor-General will conduct a forensic audit to assess the financial loss.
All Foreign Ministry staff in Washington D.C. have been recalled, the IT department dissolved, and local staff suspended. The Ministry apologized for the inconvenience but stressed the actions were essential for restoring transparency and accountability in Ghana’s foreign missions.
Abla Dzifa Gomashie, Minister of Tourism, Creative Arts and Culture, has reaffirmed her commitment to rejuvenating the tourism and creative sectors in the Volta Region and across Ghana.
During a three-day working tour of the region, Madam Gomashie emphasized the importance of collaboration with Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to market the unique cultural and natural assets within their jurisdictions. She urged MMDCEs to help identify hidden attractions, noting that every district had something special to offer.
She highlighted initiatives such as the photo competition with UNESCO, designed to reveal unexplored cultural sites, dances, and traditions. Speaking to the Ghana News Agency, Madam Gomashie noted that the Volta Region was rich in untapped tourism potential and must be unlocked to drive both economic growth and cultural preservation.
She was accompanied by officials from the Ghana Tourism Authority, Ghana Tourism Development Company, and other agencies under the Ministry as part of a nationwide campaign to boost domestic tourism.Among the key attractions visited were Praise City, known as “Point and Kill” in the Adaklu District, the Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary, and the iconic Wli Waterfalls in Hohoe Municipality. She also paid a courtesy call on the Paramount Queen Mother of Ho Asogli Traditional Area, Mamaga Akua-Dei II, referring to the meeting as a homecoming.
Plans were also announced for the Volta Region to host the 2025 edition of the National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFAC).She said the Ministry was reviewing key tourism conventions and policies to better reflect the specific needs of the region, adding, The visit included strategic meetings with the Volta Regional Minister, Mr James Gunu, MMDCEs, tourism operators, and The engagements focused on challenges such as infrastructure deficits, funding gaps, and poor road access to tourist sites.
Mr Gunu reaffirmed the region’s commitment to partnering with the Ministry and other agencies to address these challenges.He added that the Volta Region boasts over 120 tourist sites, many still undiscovered due to accessibility issues.
Ghana’s hospitality sector is showing strong signs of recovery and growth as domestic tourism picks up and investor confidence rises. Hotels, guesthouses, and resorts across the country are recording higher occupancy rates, particularly in tourism-rich regions such as Greater Accra, Central, and Volta.
The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, in collaboration with the Ghana Tourism Authority, has intensified promotional campaigns to boost local travel, especially through initiatives like “See Ghana, Eat Ghana, Wear Ghana, Feel Ghana.” These efforts have helped to redirect attention to the nation’s diverse tourism assets and the growing quality of service delivery in the hospitality space.
Hotel operators say strategic upgrades and staff retraining have made a significant difference in guest satisfaction.
Despite lingering challenges such as poor road infrastructure and high operational costs, the hospitality industry is optimistic. Industry players are calling for increased public-private partnerships to address funding gaps, invest in digital booking systems, and provide professional development for service staff.
With major events like the African Hospitality and Tourism Conference and Ghana Tourism Expo scheduled in the coming months, stakeholders believe Ghana is on course to become a competitive hospitality destination in West Africa.
In a major move to strengthen its global lifestyle brand presence, Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced the acquisition of Dream Hotel Group, known for its vibrant, design-led properties in key urban destinations. The deal, valued at approximately $300 million, includes the Dream Hotels, The Chatwal Hotels, and Unscripted Hotels brands, adding over a dozen properties and more than 1,700 rooms to Hyatt’s portfolio.
This acquisition aligns with Hyatt’s strategy to grow its lifestyle offerings and appeal to younger, experience-driven travellers. The integration will see Dream Hotel Group’s leadership and development teams join Hyatt to continue growing the brand globally.
Hyatt’s President and CEO, Mark Hoplamazian, said the acquisition “reflects our continued commitment to intentional growth in key global markets, and enhances our ability to serve guests seeking cultural immersion and energetic, social experiences.”
With properties in New York, Los Angeles, Miami, and international cities like Doha and Bangkok, Dream Hotel Group’s inclusion is expected to bolster Hyatt’s position in the luxury and lifestyle segment amid growing global demand for experiential travel.
Source : Joycelyn Marigold, Holiday & Hospitality News
