Domestic tourism is not part of our DNA as a people, for which reason, there are Ghanaians who do not know the country apart from the towns and cities they reside in and or work in.
We would rather pay heavily for tickets and the acquisition of visas to travel outside to explore other people’s countries. On the other hand, we have tourists who come and enjoy our weather, have fun and indulge in our culture.
And so the other week, as I made a trip to Kumasi, it heavily dawned on me that we have not been doing well in exploring and promoting our cities, towns and our culture.
I have, since my trip, been wondering in my mind why the Ghana Airports Company, internal flight operators, travel agencies, hotels and the Ghana Tourism Authority, for example, would not promote selling domestic tourism and indirectly, their businesses? No doubt, countless opportunities avail.
Some people always crave to know their country better and its rich cultures. Such people would always want to turn to help from organised agencies that could put together a tour package of the sort for them.
For those who look for adventures, refreshing moments and a change of environment, there are already flights that would take one there within the hour, but once you get there, what next? That is where tourist agencies come in.
In the past week, as I pondered, I concluded that the Ashanti capital and its environs alone provide clues to one’s expectations of a refreshing break. There are refreshing things to see and do, even for a day’s trip.
My recent visit to Kumasi by air was so enchanting, I would recommend such a trip as a refreshing getaway away even if for just a day. Therefore, to those who have never been to Kumasi and want to have a taste of the city, here is an idea for you.
With just 40 minutes away, one sees no reason why day excursions to the Ashanti capital could not work. The flights are there from early morning till late at night, providing fulfilling services to passengers.
Efficient internal flights
With the ease of efficient internal flights, going to Kumasim and beyond and returning the same day, be it for functions such as weddings, funerals, festivals or just as a day’s getaway, the benefit of flying out early morning and returning late evening is now available.
The refurbished Kumasi airport, upgraded to international status, is classy, with the arrival and departure halls neatly done. The luggage carousel, the outside environment and the walk to the car park are delightful.
The pleasant welcome of arriving passengers, as some of us experienced the other week, presented a special ‘Akwaaba’ as smartly dressed, smiling ladies lined up with baskets of sweets and cookies for passengers to pick from. It was a gesture well appreciated by passengers.
Whatever that gesture symbolised, it was a unique experience that the management of the airport dished out to passengers.
Tricycles
A few minutes into town and soon after the airport roundabout, a new reality and characteristic of Kumasi and the Ashanti region presented itself. Tricycles known as “Abobo Yaa” in local parlance, were all over the place, adding to the traffic congestion in Kumasi, more like what Okada is in certain parts of Accra.
Though I found them annoying at the start, I admired the ready commuting role they were playing for commuters. I decided to have a taste of their rides before I left Kumasi.
And so I courageously boarded one the day after with a cabin to myself. I enjoyed a conversation with the rider and sought to know why they called it “Abobo Yaa” since the name Yaa was synonymous with females born on Thursdays.
He could not give me any meaningful answer and so dropped the topic so he could concentrate on his traffic manoeuvres, going through some of the most difficult traffic congested areas in Kumasi.
With my curiosity piqued, back in Bekwai, some 24 miles from Kumasi, the day after and seeing “Abobo Yaa” wherever I turned, I decided to take another ride and find answers to my unanswered question. Disappointingly, my rider had no credible answers either. I gave up having enjoyed my second ride in a tricycle.
Even though I had a planned agenda for going to Kumasi, I seemed to have had a beautiful tourism experience, not quite planned for. My two separate encounters with “Abobo Yaa”, which I would never have dared do in Accra, were both notable. Those were probably the beauty of my getaway from Accra, and I felt my airfare was somehow paid for with the daring moments on tricycles.
Back in Accra, and on reflection, I strongly believe there are opportunities around for organised tourism. We need to promote leisure and even trade between our cities.
What we probably need are reasonably priced internal fares to encourage more air travel and convenient travel around. We need help from our Tourism authorities.
Once we get the fares right and affordable, a major domestic tourism boom will be on board. Is Ghana Airports listening?
*****
The writer can be contacted via email at vickywirekoandoh@yahoo.com
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Source link
