The Greater Accra Regional Office of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has marked this year’s World Tourism Day with a strong call for sustainability, holding a symbolic celebration at the Accra Zoo on Thursday, 25th September. The event was observed under the global theme: “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation.”
The event brought together stakeholders, staff of the GTA, and members of the public in a programme that highlighted sustainability practices within tourism.
The commemoration centred on practical actions to highlight the connection between tourism and environmental responsibility. Activities included a tree-planting exercise to promote reforestation, a guided tour of the zoo to underscore the importance of wildlife conservation and the donation of a waste bin to support proper sanitation within the facility.
Regional Director of GTA Greater Accra, Mrs Roberta Dawson-Amoah, said the theme of sustainable transformation was timely and relevant for Ghana’s tourism sector. “Tourism cannot thrive in isolation from the environment. If we are serious about building a resilient and competitive tourism industry, then we must make sustainability a way of life. Today’s activities at the Accra Zoo are a reminder that conserving our natural heritage is central to the future of tourism,” she remarked.
She explained that even the simplest choices can carry powerful messages.
“We deliberately opted for glass bottled water instead of plastic, to demonstrate that reducing waste begins with us. When visitors see that tourism stakeholders are committed to sustainability, they too are encouraged to adopt responsible practices. Tourism should set the standard by showing that responsible practices are possible and practical,” Mrs Dawson-Amoah said.
World Tourism Day, commemorated globally on 27th September under the auspices of UN Tourism, is dedicated to promoting awareness of tourism’s role in social, cultural and economic development. This year’s focus on sustainable transformation highlights the responsibility of governments, communities and industry players to ensure tourism’s growth does not come at the expense of the environment.
By hosting the celebration at the Accra Zoo, the GTA Greater Accra Regional Office sought to showcase tourism’s potential as a driver of environmental awareness, while encouraging Ghanaians to embrace eco-friendly habits that safeguard both natural and cultural assets.