Story by: David Azure
The Regional Director of the Ghana Tourism Authority in the Upper East Region, Joseph Appiagyei, has outlined a three-point plan to redesign tourism in the region using digital tools and Artificial Intelligence.
Speaking on World Tourism Day 2026 in Bolgatanga on the theme “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism,” as declared by UN Tourism, Mr. Appiagyei said the region must shift from traditional marketing to digital competitiveness.
“This year’s global theme… is not just timely; it is revolutionary. It forces us to ask: How is technology changing how tourists find us, how we serve them, and how we preserve what we have?” he said.
He said the focus will be on how digital transformation and AI can improve the digital experience, drive technological innovation, and create a more inclusive, efficient, and sustainable tourism sector.
“This will further enhance our efforts to make the region competitive and attract more tourists to our region. Again, it will ensure that investors benefit from their investments,” he noted.
Mr. Appiagyei then outlined how the region must redesign tourism:
Firstly, through digital visibility: “Every hotel, guesthouse, tour guide and chop bar must be on Google, must be bookable online, must have quality photos and reviews. If you are not online, you are invisible to AI.”
Secondly, he said, through digital skills: “I challenge our Hotels Association and our youth to embrace AI-powered trip planning, digital payments, smart customer service, and virtual tours of our heritage sites.”
The third pillar, he said, is responsible innovation: “Technology must not replace our authentic Ghanaian hospitality. It must enhance it. AI should help us tell our story better, not change our story.”
He urged participants to apply the knowledge gained from experts with extensive AI expertise.
“To make today’s occasion more educative, experts have been invited to address the theme. Let us all listen to them with rapt attention so that we can apply the knowledge gained from today’s presentations to enhance our businesses and to advance the tourism agenda in the region.”
“In line with the Black Star Experience, let us use digital tools to project our Black Star to the world,” he concluded.
Bolga FM | 102.7 Mhz | David Azure | Bolgatanga|
