Some perspectives of hosts and guests on coastal tourism development in two destinations in Ghana

Abstract

The coastal zone of Ghana has played a crucial role in attracting both local and international tourists over the years. The presence of a wide array of attractions, both natural and manmade and the over concentration of national infrastructural stock within the zone have greatly enhanced its attractiveness to tourists. On the flipside, however, a number of physical/environmental economic and socio-cultural concerns have emerged requiring proactive measures for overcoming any hiccups to the sustainable development of the industry. Based on insights drawn from interviewing hosts and guests and physical tests conducted on major environmental attributes within two coastal tourism destinations of Ada and Elmina some policy measures have been recommended to help ameliorate some of these emerging challenges. Specific recommendations include a greater role by national government in managing this sensitive coastal environment and more community involvement in the planning and management of coastal tourism.