Music and cultural promotion organisation Kacstone Records, in partnership with the Sister Kingdom Network, recently participated in a two-day high-level tourism summit in Lesotho. The summit, known as the Lesotho Tourism Pitso, was held in Maseru from September 16 to 17, under the auspices of the Lesotho Ministry of Sports, Tourism and Culture. The gathering brought together stakeholders from Lesotho and other parts of Africa to explore ways to position Lesotho as a competitive tourism destination.
The Ghanaian delegation included Ambassador Dr. Tengol K. Kplemani, Supreme Leader of the Sister Kingdom Network and Ambassador for Africa with the Countrystyle Community Tourism Network. Also part of the delegation were Wenawome Aborah Duriyem, Managing Director of Kacstone Records, and Alexander Naaga Bombande, Public Relations Officer of Kacstone Records. The summit aimed to strengthen tourism and cultural cooperation across Africa.
Ambassador Kplemani emphasised the need for African countries to focus on cultural tourism and strengthen connections between Africans on the continent and in the diaspora. He stressed that the growth of tourism in Africa would depend on the commitment and collaboration of key industry players. Kplemani also cautioned that neglecting Africa's cultural tourism could undermine the preservation and promotion of the continent's unique cultural and traditional heritage.
During a panel discussion, Wenawome Aborah Duriyem called for greater youth participation in efforts to reshape the narrative around African tourism. He urged stakeholders to leverage new media platforms to promote Africa's diverse cultures and strengthen connections among countries. Duriyem also advocated for cultural exchange programmes between Ghana and Lesotho to deepen cultural tourism and strengthen African unity.
The Principal Secretary for the Lesotho Ministry of Tourism, Sports, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Mantiti Khabo, expressed optimism about Lesotho's tourism prospects. She described the sector as unique and fast-rising, citing the country's attractive mountains, rich culture, and hospitable people. Khabo welcomed the participation of delegations from Ghana and other African countries, including Mozambique.
As part of Ghanaian hospitality and cultural diplomacy, the Ghanaian delegation presented a traditional smock to the Minister for Tourism, Sports, Arts and Culture, Mputi Steven Mputi. The presentation showcased the traditional northern Ghanaian garment as an important symbol of Ghana's cultural identity. This formed part of efforts to promote cultural exchange and strengthen relations between Ghana and Lesotho.
The participation of Kacstone Records and the Sister Kingdom Network in the Lesotho Tourism Pitso formed part of broader efforts to promote African cultural heritage, tourism cooperation, and cross-border partnerships. The summit provided a platform for stakeholders to explore ways to position Lesotho as a competitive tourism destination while advancing intra-African tourism and cultural exchange.
Key points
- - The summit aimed to strengthen tourism and cultural cooperation across Africa. - Kacstone Records and the Sister Kingdom Network participated in the Lesotho Tourism Pitso to promote African cultural heritage and tourism cooperation. - The Ghanaian delegation included Ambassador Dr. Tengol K. Kplemani and Wenawome Aborah Duriyem.
