The Kikis Court Resort, a hospitality facility located in the Hohoe Municipality of the Volta region, has been adjudged the '1 Star Hotel of the Year' at the 2024 Volta Regional Tourism Awards held in Ho. The Resort's recognition is the second regional award in the sector after receiving the Guesthouse for the year 2019 award. Mr Patrick K. Ahumah-Ocansey, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Kikis Court Resort, speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA), said emerging the winner in the keenly contested category meant that they were doing something right which needed to be sustained. He said the recognition was possible largely because of the people they served, adding that the team also played a significant role. Mr Ahumah-Ocansey said thriving amidst the challenges meant that doing business required bravery, risk taking and developing a tough skin. He said the contribution of the Resort to the development of tourism in the enclave was blending culture with tourism. 'When people visit the tourist sites and t hey come to Kikis, we give them culture through showcasing the culture of the region such as borborbor to blend it and pair it up.' Mr Ahumah-Ocansey called on the government to give the hospitality sector tax relief opportunities since it was a huge sector that would be able to employ the teeming unemployed youth. He called on hoteliers to embrace collaboration instead of competition and also, there must be the recognition of stronger 'forces' in the sector and become collaborators and not competitors. The event was on the theme:'Celebrating innovation and recognising excellence in Ghana's Tourism Sector'. Mr Johnny Arthur-Quarm, the Volta Regional Manager of Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) said innovation in tourism was about more than just new technology or modern infrastructure. He said it was however about reimagining how industry players could share their stories, preserve heritage, and engage with visitors in ways that were meaningful and sustainable. 'It is about recognising the small but signific ant changes that make a big difference, and it is celebrating those who lead the way in creating a more vibrant and dynamic tourism industry'. A total of 17 recipients received awards in different categories. Source: Ghana News Agency