Cultural Heritage, Destination Competitiveness and Sustainability Model in LDC’s: From Theory to Action A case of Ghana.

Abstract

This report aims at presenting the results of a WTO fieldwork undertaken in the locales of Cape Coast and Elmina (Figure 1), in the sub-Saharan country of Ghana, in West Africa during a period of five months between April –August in 2005. The overall objective of the research is to test the applicability of Ritchie & Crouch’s (2003) ‘Destination Competitiveness Model’ (Figure 2), which was specifically modified for less developed countries, in the locales of Elmina and Cape Coast in Ghana. The unique characteristic of these areas is based on their cultural heritage; they are hosting three world heritage sites, two castles and a fortress, which are left by colonialism and which functioned as slave dungeons for 400 years during the transatlantic slave trade. The overall objective will be underpinned by the following specific objectives: • Assess the relationship between the local community, national institutions and the slave fortification castles of Cape Coast Castle in Cape Coast (Picture 1), St George castle in Elmina (Picture2) and the fortress of St Jago in Elmina (Picture 3) • Provide practical guidelines on linking pro-poor tourism characteristics with physical elements (assets) of cultural histories with a focus on the role of the local community The examination of the objectives will be in the context of a pro-poor tourism framework and it will seek to: 1) Develop a working and transferable model for policy makers in order assist the marginalized and poor communities who are the traditional custodians of heritage to participate in tourism opportunities, thus replacing the potentially consumptive models of tourism (the tourism gaze) with a more equitable position (managing and developing heritage themselves); Thus ‘reducing the gap between rich and poor and between developed and developing countries’. More specifically in relation to the WTO Article 2 (‘contribute to global…research’), Article 6 (‘well coordinated added value..in the creation, dissemination and use of knowledge’). 2) Contribute towards the Millennium Development Goals (Appendix 1) via capacity building and knowledge sharing, which in turn will enable empowerment and gender equality. Recognizing thus the WTO Education Counsil Washington Declaration (October, 2003) resolution 2: ‘working together to enhance achievement of the Millennium Goals’. Finally recommendations and conclusions will be drawn for the development of ‘appropriate’ tourism in the regions of Elmina and Cape Coast and according to Ritchie (2004) model of ‘Appropriate Competitiveness for Impoverished Nations: Defining the Vision and Establishing Strategic Guidelines’ and in the context of a pro-poor framework.