In the tourism, hospitality, and travel sectors, a non-governmental Civil Society Organisation (CSO) called the Africa Tourism Research Network (ATRN) has been established in Accra.
The ATRN seeks to develop itself as a preeminent and dedicated CSO in tourism research advocacy in Africa and to contribute to knowledge creation for the growth of moral, environmentally friendly, and socially conscious tourism.
The ATRN is committed to promoting greater standards in travel and tourist research, analysis, and marketing, advancing tourism research on a local, national, and international level, according to Mr. Emmanuel Frimpong, President of the ATRN.
According to him, the ATRN aims to build solid relationships with key national and international partners in the tourism, hospitality, and travel sectors.
Additionally, it is to support sustainability and research initiatives, foster a strong research culture within the travel, hotel, and tourist industries, and promote ethical, sustainable, and responsible tourism operations.
“The most skilled and knowledgeable people working in travel and tourism research are found in our community. Academics, professionals, representatives of the government and its agencies, and research specialists all make up our membership. We work together, network, and come up with ideas with global peers.
According to Mr. Frimpong, the Network would support research that is pertinent to the industry, advance innovation and digitization in the industry, support activities that stimulate tourism investment, provide training and coordinate capacity building, and support and expand rural tourism.
“It is also to promote ecotourism, tourism, and cultural education, publish current industry trends, and do advocacy in the back travel, tourism, and hospitality sectors.”
Mr. Frimpong claims that the ATRN will serve as a think tank for the tourist sector, assembling specialists, researchers, and consultants depending on their areas of competence to work on specific projects both inside and outside of Ghana.
We at ATRN are aware that in order to make wise judgements, travel and tourism industry professionals require access to top-notch research.
According to the ATRN President, the network’s members include the government and its agencies, academics and researchers, participants in the private sector industry, partners in development, organisations, and individuals.
In addition to having access to the most recent trends research, training, and mentorship opportunities, he said that ATRN members also have access to a varied worldwide network of business executives who were willing to offer their knowledge and experience.
Additionally, “We will recognise and honour significant achievements, exemplary leadership, and commitment to the travel and tourism research community, seek out international conferences for strategic partners, academia, and industry at a discounted rate, and give them opportunities to advertise careers and RFPs or search for open opportunities to find new career or projects.”