Mr Haruna Yussif Wunpini, a journalist with the Graphic Communications Group Limited (GCGL), has been named Tourism Media Personality of the Year at the 2024 Eastern Region Tourism Awards in the capital, Koforidua. He was also awarded the Best Reporter in the print category at the event, and in recognition of his dual achievement, he received a plaque, a certificate of excellence, and a citation. In addition, he will spend two days at the Hillburi Hotel in Aburi, located within the Akuapem South Municipality. In his role as the Eastern Regional Reporter, Mr. Wunpini has been responsible for writing stories for the Daily Graphic, GCGL's flagship newspaper. The citation praises Mr. Wunpini's dedication to tourism reporting, noting that as the Eastern Regional Reporter, his quest and passion for writing in-depth feature stories and news articles on the region's tourism potential is highly remarkable. According to the citation, Mr Wunpini's tireless efforts to uncover unique attractions and untapped potenti als took him to destinations such as the Rock with Human Features at Kodidi in the Afram Plains North, and the Canoe-Shaped tree at the Bunso Eco Park. His publications in the Daily Graphic, The Mirror, and Graphic Online played a significant role in showcasing the region's tourism attractions and potential to a global audience. It highlighted the many challenges facing the tourism industry, calling on the sector ministry to address these issues. Citi News/Channel One TV was also recognized as the Tourism Oriented Media of the Year for 2024, while 14 other tourism-related facilities in the region were equally honoured and received plaques and citations. The awards scheme is a pioneering initiative established by the Eastern Regional Office of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) to recognize outstanding individuals and hospitality facilities that exemplify excellence and dedication to tourism. In an interview with the Ghana News Agency, Mr Wunpini, who was visibly elated by the honour, expressed his surpris e at receiving the award, citing his long-standing passion for the tourism industry over the past years. 'The path of success is always rough and very difficult and those who are always ready to take challenges head-on and at the same time have a keen interest with full of determination win over it,' he said. Adding, 'I thank Almighty Allah for giving me the strength and energy to do what I have done. My editors and colleague journalists including my wives and family members have supported me in winning the ultimate.' He described the award as the public recognition of his good works and expressed appreciation to the GTA for honouring him, saying, 'This will spur me to do more and enable me to win the national diadem.' Speaking on the theme: 'Celebrating Innovation and Recognizing Excellence in Ghana's Tourism Sector,' Professor Ishmael Mensah, Head of the Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management, University of Cape Coast, highlighted the region's diverse attractions, including Odweanoma Mountain, Akuapem Ridge, Aburi Botanical Gardens, Volta Lake, and the Akonnedi Shrine at Larteh, as well as local cuisine such as 'aboloo' and 'koliko.' He noted that these attractions portrayed the region as a land of diversity and emphasized that his outfit recognized the awards as crucial for the development of the tourism industry. He also congratulated all award winners, particularly Mr. Wunpini, urging him to continue writing feature stories on tourism-related activities to increase his chances of winning a national award in the future. Mr Akwasi Agyeman, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GTA, also urged the award winners to continue working hard in their respective fields to showcase the region's tourism potential. He emphasized the importance of recognizing and celebrating the achievements of tourism entrepreneurs, media practitioners, and individuals who have driven innovation and excellence in the Eastern Region. Ms. Dinah Adu-Owusu, Eastern Regional Director of GTA, highlighted the region's vast natural resources, including tropical forests, water bodies, and rich cultural diversity, which have been leveraged to create world-class tourism hospitality facilities. She stressed the importance of celebrating and honouring those who have transformed available resources into memorable experiences for both domestic and international visitors. She also emphasized the need for innovation and adaptability in response to changing demands and challenges in the tourism industry. 'The future of tourism greatly depends on our ability to be continually innovative and in tune with technology,' she said. Source: Ghana News Agency