On Friday, September 18, 2026, Dr. Benjamin Appiah Osei, a senior lecturer in Hospitality and Tourism Studies at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), was honoured with the Digital Tourism Icon award at the Ashanti Regional Tourism Awards. This marks the third consecutive year he has received a tourism award, following the 2024 Digital Tourism Icon and the 2025 Tourism Innovation & Technology Award at the 25th National Tourism Awards.
Dr. Osei’s work blends academia, technology and practical industry engagement. He serves as Examination Officer and Programme Coordinator for KNUST’s Department of Hospitality and Tourism Studies, while leading the Tourism & Hospitality for Everyone (TOHFE) initiative and its online learning platform, TOHFE Learns with Dr Ben.
His digital storytelling approach uses short‑form content to showcase destinations, attractions, hotels, food, culture and emerging technologies, aiming to make hospitality and tourism education accessible to a wider audience. His research explores how international tourists use social media in planning trips to Ghana and examines technology’s role in transforming the sector.
Beyond the classroom, TOHFE has organised experiential tours such as the Kumasi Street Food Tour, allowing participants to taste, discover and engage with Ghana’s cultural resources. For Dr. Osei, promoting tourism means helping people understand why places and experiences matter, not just where to go.
“Tourism should not only be studied; it should be understood, experienced, shared and made accessible to everyone,” he said, underscoring his vision for stronger digital engagement and experiential learning in Ghana’s tourism industry.
With this latest award, Dr. Osei continues to shape the future of hospitality and tourism through research, teaching, digital education and industry collaboration. The award ceremony highlighted his ongoing commitment to making tourism known to all.
