The Coconut Grove Beach Resort in Elmina, Ghana, has been awarded the 3-Star Hotel of the Year at the 2026 Central Regional Tourism Awards. The ceremony, held at the resort, brought together key industry players to celebrate top performers in the region's growing tourism sector. The event's theme, "Celebrating Excellence Beyond Borders – The Black Star Experience," highlighted the importance of excellence in the tourism industry. The resort's General Manager, Mr. Victor Opoku Minta, expressed gratitude for the award.
The award was given based on an evidence-based assessment by a judging panel led by Professor Ishmael Mensah of the University of Cape Coast. The evaluation criteria included quality assurance reports, stakeholder and customer interviews, social media feedback, and unannounced surprise visits. Mr. Opoku Minta noted that the award imposes a greater responsibility on the facility to continually raise its service standards. He also emphasized that competition in the hospitality sector now extends beyond Ghana's borders to the broader West African market.
The General Manager of Coconut Grove Beach Resort, Mr. Victor Opoku Minta, urged the Ministry of Tourism and the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) to address operational cost drivers in the industry. He specifically highlighted water supply disruptions caused by road construction in parts of the Central Region and high tax components embedded in hotel charges. Despite these challenges, the resort has introduced innovative internal measures to sustain seamless operations.
The Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Mr. Gilbert Abeiku Aggrey, stressed that modern tourism relies heavily on overall visitor experience rather than standalone attractions. He urged operators to preserve and repackage the region's rich culture, cuisine, and heritage. Mr. Aggrey also highlighted the transformative role of technology in hospitality, citing its ability to make it easier for visitors to discover Ghana and access vital services.
The Central Regional Tourism Awards spanned four core sectors: Accommodation, Food and Beverage, Travel Services, and Media. The region's profile was highlighted by Regional Director Charles Buabin, who revealed that the Central Region hosts 387 of the country's 7,109 licensed hospitality enterprises. Key local landmarks, including Kakum National Park, Cape Coast Castle, and Elmina Castle, remain among Ghana's top 10 most visited attractions.
The Central Region's tourism sector is significant, with the region being the second most visited in the nation. The award recipients, including Coconut Grove Beach Resort, will now represent the Central Region at the upcoming National Tourism Awards. The resort's General Manager expressed his commitment to continually improving the resort's services and experiences for visitors.
The 2026 Central Regional Tourism Awards celebrated top performers contributing to the region's growing tourism footprint. The event provided a platform for industry players to come together and recognize excellence in the sector. Coconut Grove Beach Resort's award is a testament to its commitment to providing high-quality services and experiences for visitors.
Key points
- Coconut Grove Beach Resort wins 3-Star Hotel of the Year at 2026 Central Regional Tourism Awards.
- The award was based on an evidence-based assessment by a judging panel.
- The resort's General Manager urges the Ministry of Tourism to address operational cost drivers in the industry.
