The final day of the 6th iNTTA Expo in Cape Coast is examining how Ghana’s proposed 24-hour economy could drive tourism development, support young entrepreneurs and attract investment to the sector.
Friday, October 23, is being held under the theme “24-Hour Economy as a Vehicle to Tourism Development”. Policymakers, business leaders, tourism industry representatives and young innovators are meeting to consider how economic activity can be sustained beyond traditional business hours.
The programme opened with a review of the main discussions and commitments from the first two days of the three-day event. Attention then shifted to the contribution small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can make to tourism under a round-the-clock economic model.
Benedictor Anita Mensah, the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s representative for the Central Region, is scheduled to lead a discussion on the role of SMEs in expanding tourism-related businesses.
Youth entrepreneurship is also central to the day’s agenda. A panel is due to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) can help young people develop side hustles into scalable enterprises.
The discussion will focus on the ways technology can help young entrepreneurs grow their businesses and take part in Ghana’s expanding tourism and creative economies.
A cultural display by the Central Regional Centre for National Culture is planned before a policy keynote address from Augustus Obuadum Tanoh, Presidential Adviser to Ghana’s 24-Hour Economy Authority.
Mr Tanoh is expected to discuss how the policy can contribute to tourism development. A subsequent fireside chat will consider the wider conditions needed to support Ghana’s economic transformation.
Topics will include longer operating hours, investment, youth-led businesses, local supply chains, safe digital experiences and partnerships across Africa.
The expo’s Innovation Zone for Youth Creative Changemakers will give selected young innovators an opportunity to present their business ideas and initiatives to investors and industry leaders.
Projects in the zone cover tourism, trade, technology, agribusiness and the creative economy.
Formal proceedings are expected to end with a closing plenary. Delegates, investors and government representatives will use the session to set out commitments, partnerships and next steps resulting from the event.
Delegates are also scheduled to take part in site visits around Cape Coast, where they will assess potential investment opportunities in tourism infrastructure, cultural heritage development and coastal hospitality projects.
The programme will conclude with an evening beach networking gala at Lush on the Coast. Registered delegates, sponsors, government officials and diplomatic guests are expected to attend.
Across its three days, the iNTTA Expo has provided a forum for discussions about investment opportunities in tourism, hospitality, energy infrastructure, digital finance, agribusiness and health tourism.
The final day places particular emphasis on youth-led innovation and the potential for Ghana’s proposed 24-hour economy to widen the country’s tourism opportunities.
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