Ghanaian broadcaster and revered tourism practitioner Gilbert Aggrey well-known as Abeiku Santana has implored students of the KNUST School of Business, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Department of Human Resource And Organizational Development to identify the voids in the tourism sector and offer the required services.
Gilbert Aggrey was invited as a special speaker at the 4th Professional Development Seminar on Hospitality & Tourism Management held at the KNUST Business School.
Speaking on the theme, En[TOUR]preneurship in Ghana: Opportunities and Challenges for the Hospitality and Tourism Management Students, Mr. Gilbert Aggrey took the students through some of the major shortfalls of the sector and practicable ways of solving them.
“Unfortunately, we as Ghanaians have destroyed some of our tourism sites making it difficult to locate them even when we talk about them. The other challenges include service delivery and reception to foreigners.
There’s a lot to tell and sell about Ghana but until that is identified, we would sit idle thinking there’s nothing to show. Ghana has a very unique culture. The marriage rights, the way we carry babies at our back, funerals etc are attractions which could be monetized. If you are able to identify the need of the people, you’ll always be in business” he said.
He also asked the students not to only concentrate on the certificates since they were only indications of the completion of academic courses but not necessarily signs of competence. He asked them to look out for opportunities to serve so they learn and pick practical lessons.
“Don’t be stuck to the very academic exercises alone. Be passionate about your industry and make the most out of it. A certificate is just an indication of a completion of an academic course and not a sign of competence. Ask for the opportunity to serve, with that, you gather enough experience which will eventually help you in the field of duty.”
Aside being a seasoned broadcaster, Gilbert Aggrey is one of Africa’s most accomplished and Most Influential Tourism personalities with a lot of experience and knowledge on the cultural heritage of Ghana.
He is the C.E.O of Bayslodge Hotel and Apartment, Kaya Tours Company Limited, Strategic Communications Limited, Kaya Management Services Limited and Smart Broadcasting Company Limited.
