Over the previous few many years the boundaries of tourism have grown to incorporate competition, cultural and ecological sights. However the advantages of this improvement have not been extensively explored. These embrace attracting vacationers who in flip contribute to the event of the group. And stimulating the diffusion and commemoration of native tradition in addition to customized and ceremonies.
I performed analysis to know the results of competition tourism on the socio-economic capital of the individuals of Kwahu in Ghana. I checked out how competition tourism within the area brings financial advantages to companies and the group. I additionally wished to establish the ill-effects of competition tourism (if any).
Ghana has quite a few festivals in its 16 administrative areas that appeal to each home and worldwide vacationers. The Kwahu Easter Competition stands out as one which’s formed competition tourism in Ghana due to its profitable efficiency over time. The competition takes place through the Easter interval. Referred to as that Kwahu Easter and Paragliding Competition, it stretches over three days and entails a spread of actions. These embrace paragliding and road carnivals.
I discovered that the competition has introduced group cohesion in addition to financial advantages. However, it has additionally introduced unfavourable social advantages and social price to the residents.
Tourism is claimed to be the fourth highest overseas trade earner for Ghana. The economic system advantages immensely from tourism and tourism-related actions. Recognition of this has been rising within the nation, as is obvious in the truth that administration programs are being included in in universities and better training establishments.
Advantages and challenges
I interviewed 398 residents, throughout 18 years previous, dwelling within the catchment communities of Kwahu competition. These included Mpraeso, Abetifi, Nkawkaw, Obo, Obomeny and Atibie. Almost 60% participated within the competition.
The residents stated they noticed the competition as a means of growing group cohesion and improvement of social facilities. Whereas the financial advantages weren’t the principal causes for the holding of the competition, many took benefit of it to extend their earnings. Those that did so stated they made vital financial beneficial properties.
It was additionally clear that the competition fostered unity and delight.
There have been, nonetheless, additionally some unfavourable outcomes. This included site visitors congestion, elevated crime charge, overcrowding, sexual abuse, prostitution, noise air pollution, and stress on public companies and public utilities.
The stress on infrastructure had been recognized as improve within the companies of the police, water and electrical energy provide to the companies and houses, ambulance companies and paramedics, fireplace service amongst others.
What subsequent
The conclusion I reached from my analysis was that competition tourism is a big catalyst for financial exercise. And that it have to be given extra targeted consideration.
Some Ghanaian festivals are nonetheless celebrated within the conservative vogue. Which means that they do not embrace leisure. Examples embrace outside musical occasions, open mic nights, reside present, film theatres, carnival, sporting occasions and particular meals choices. Which means that outsiders aren’t attracted, limiting the affect of the event.
As well as, the unfavourable results of competition tourism ought to be on the forefront of presidency and stakeholder focus. Points embrace: the overuse of public infrastructure, the affect on native residents of an increase in the price of items and companies, improper vacationer behaviour and crime.
Gamers, together with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Tradition, Ghana Tourism Authority and conventional rulers, ought to be certain they perceive the push and pull components of competition tourism higher.
First, the Ghana Tourism Authority wants to make sure festivals do not erode entrenched conventional values. It must put in place measures to cut back the unfavourable results of the festivals. For instance, offering consciousness programmes that may educate attendees in addition to sustaining conventional values of the custodians of the competition. In addition they want to coach the general public in regards to the environmental results of actions.
Second, it is crucial that authorities companies such because the Ghana Tourism Authority , the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Tradition in addition to conventional rulers and competition organisers issue the optimistic beneficial properties in addition to the unfavourable ramifications of festivals into the planning and organising of the occasions.
Ghana stands to take pleasure in monumental advantages if its cultural heritage may be marketed successfully by tourism.
Alexander Diani Kofi Preko, Senior Lecturer, Advertising, College of Skilled Research Accra