The Forestry Commission has officially opened a four-day celebration of World Tourism Day 2026 at its headquarters with a strong call to leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital innovation to transform Ghana's protected areas into smart destinations.

The celebration, which was officially opened on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, is being held under the global theme which challenges nations to use digital transformation and Artificial Intelligence to reimagine tourism. 

The commission has localised the theme as "From Protected Areas to Smart Destinations”.

Delivering the opening address, the Acting Deputy Chief Executive of the Forestry Commission, Timothy Ataboadey Awontiirim, said World Tourism Day, celebrated globally on September 27 every year, highlights the social, cultural, political and economic value of tourism.

"Here at the Forestry Commission, we are translating this global mandate into a direct, localized action plan," he stated. 

"We are actively moving our national parks, wildlife reserves and forest resources away from traditional analog conservation methods and upgrading them into digitally empowered, data-driven eco-hubs."

Mr. Awontiirim noted that the Forestry Commission, through its wildlife division, protects, manages and promotes Ghana's major tourism attractions including Kakum National Park, Shai Hills Resource Reserve, Accra Zoo, Kumasi Zoo and Mole National Park.

He explained that the four-day program was intentionally designed beyond speeches to provide tangible proof of digital transformation through two major activities; a Smart Eco-Tourism Hackathon and an Eco-Tourism Innovation Exhibition.

"The exhibition space brings the future into the present," he said, urging guests to experience firsthand innovations such as virtual reality previews, drone assisted canopy monitoring and contactless hospitality systems that are redefining the visitor experience.

For the hackathon, he said young developers, data scientists and innovators will spend 48 hours coding solutions to the commission's most pressing operational challenges. 

These, he stated, include a “smart visitor management , using AI to monitor foot traffic in fragile ecological zones to prevent overcrowding”, an “immersive digital access developing apps and seamless booking systems for global tourists”, a “data-driven anti-poaching, building smart algorithms to help rangers protect endangered species” and “balancing innovation with conservation integrity”.

Mr. Awontiirim cautioned that technology must not replace nature.

"As we spend these four days exploring artificial intelligence, we must remember a fundamental truth: technology must serve nature, not replace it. Our digital agenda is not meant to dilute the raw, authentic beauty of our forests," he emphasised.

He added: "The lines of code written during the hackathon and the data displayed in our exhibition are meant to enhance the tourist experience and protect the ecosystem. The fresh air, the canopy walk, the majesty of our wildlife and the human warmth of our forest guides remain entirely irreplaceable.

He challenged tech innovators to build boldly, exhibitors to inspire and tourism practitioners to adopt new tools fearlessly to preserve the environment while opening Ghana's doors wider to the world.

The four-day celebration, which is also expected to host students, tourism sector partners and the media, was attended by executive directors and staff of the commission, distinguished guests and participants in the hackathon.