We were lucky to catch up with Daniel Ayisi recently and have shared our conversation below.
Daniel, appreciate you joining us today. What was one of the most important lessons you learned in school? Why did that lesson stick with you?
Education is more than just acquiring knowledge; it’s about shaping who we become and how we navigate the world. Reflecting on my journey, I realize that some of the most impactful lessons I learned in school have profoundly influenced my work today in the tourism industry.
One of the most memorable experiences from my high school years was in history class. My teacher often said, “To know history is to know who you are, where you come from, and where you are going. Failure to learn from history is to repeat the same mistakes.” At the time, I didn’t fully grasp the depth of this wisdom. But now, I see how it prepared me for my role in the tourism industry. It instilled in me the importance of understanding one’s roots, a concept that resonates deeply with the travelers I meet who seek to connect with their heritage and culture.
As I moved on to college, I studied Theatre Arts and Events Management. The collaborative nature of theatre taught me the value of teamwork and the importance of working with people from diverse backgrounds. One key lesson from this period that has stayed with me is, “The show must go on.” This mantra has been a driving force in my career, reminding me that perseverance is essential, especially when others depend on you.
In the tourism and hospitality space, being a team player and attentive listener is crucial. My goal is to offer the best possible service, bringing joy and helping people connect with who they are when they visit my country. The lessons I learned in school have not only shaped me but have also enabled me to create meaningful experiences for others—experiences that honor their histories and help them discover their paths.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
For those who haven’t yet crossed paths with me, I am Daniel, a passionate advocate for tourism and cultural exchange. On the surface, I might seem like just another tour guide who loves to explore and show people around, but my journey in this industry is rooted in something much deeper.
My entry into the tourism industry began after completing my first degree. Growing up, the experiences I had in school, church, and among friends and family all played a role in shaping who I am today. However, the pivotal moment in my career came when I landed my first job as a tour guide with one of the largest tour companies in the country. During my first tour, where I started as an understudy, I discovered a passion within me that I hadn’t fully realized before. I recognized that I had been given a unique opportunity—to serve as a bridge connecting people from the diaspora to their ancestral roots.
From that moment on, I saw myself not just as a tour guide, but as a storyteller—a modern-day griot—who weaves narratives that help people rediscover and reconnect with their heritage. My role is to share history in a way that brings about self-awareness and a deeper understanding of one’s identity. This has become my life’s work and something I pour my heart into every day.
At Elidel Travel and Tour, we provide more than just guided tours; we offer immersive experiences that foster a sense of belonging and identity. Our services are designed to reconnect individuals with their roots through cultural and historical exploration. We cater to clients from all over the world, helping them uncover the stories of their ancestors, understand the rich history of Ghana, and experience the vibrant culture that continues to thrive here.
What sets us apart is our deep commitment to personalizing each journey. We don’t just offer tours; we craft experiences that are meaningful and transformative. Whether it’s a family looking to trace their lineage or an individual seeking to understand their heritage, we ensure that every client leaves with a renewed sense of self and a connection to something greater.
I am most proud of the moments when I see the emotional impact our tours have on our clients—when someone tears up upon visiting a historical site or when a group feels a profound connection to the land of their ancestors. These are the moments that reaffirm why I do what I do.
For those considering a journey with us, know that Elidel Travel and Tour is more than just a business—it’s a mission to help people find their place in the world, to reconnect with their roots, and to discover the stories that define who they are. Whether you’re exploring Ghana for the first time or returning to uncover your heritage, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
Resilience is not just about bouncing back; it’s about finding the strength to move forward when the path ahead is uncertain. My journey in the tourism industry has taught me this lesson time and time again, but never more so than during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2018 and 2019, the future of Ghana’s tourism industry looked incredibly bright. I was honored to be part of this momentum, serving as the lead guide for the first delegation from Ebony Magazine as they explored Ghana in preparation for the “Year of Return” in 2019. I had the unique opportunity to guide them, along with the president of the NAACP, to meet with Ghana’s President at the Jubilee House and the then Minister of Tourism. These moments felt like the beginning of something monumental—not just for Ghana, but for my career as well.
But as we all know, the world changed almost overnight. The pandemic struck, and the tourism industry—once full of promise—was brought to its knees. With borders closed and travel halted, work dried up. It was a difficult time, and like many others in the industry, I found myself struggling to make ends meet. I even took up driving Uber to get by.
However, in the midst of these challenges, I made a pivotal decision. I got married and realized that this was the time to take control of my future. I decided to leave my job and venture into something new, something I believed in deeply. I reached out to a man I had met years earlier through my sister. He had once asked me to consult for him to start his tour company. I told him that I had quit my job and was ready to take on a new challenge. He welcomed me, giving me the opportunity to help build and manage a new tour company.
Starting a new business during a global crisis was not easy, but I poured my heart and soul into it. I organized and executed tours, adapting to the changing landscape and ensuring that each experience was meaningful and memorable for our clients. Despite the odds, the company grew, and so did I.
This experience taught me that resilience is not just about enduring difficult times—it’s about embracing them as opportunities for growth. It’s about having the courage to pivot, to trust in your abilities, and to build something new, even when the future is uncertain. Today, I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished, and I’m reminded daily that resilience is the foundation of our success.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
In the tourism industry, a good reputation is everything. It’s what ensures that clients trust you, that partners want to work with you, and that your business thrives in a competitive market. Reflecting on my journey, I believe that my reputation has been built on the foundation of strong relationships—relationships that I’ve nurtured with care and integrity at every step of my career.
From the very beginning, I made it a priority to connect with people everywhere I went. Whether it was guiding a tour, attending industry events, or simply interacting with the local communities we visited, I understood the importance of building genuine connections. These relationships became the bedrock of my reputation.
One key moment in my career was during the early planning stages of the “Year of Return” in 2019. As the lead guide for the first delegation from Ebony Magazine, I had the opportunity to meet influential figures, including the President of Ghana and the president of the NAACP. But beyond these high-profile encounters, I also made it a point to connect with the local communities, service providers, and colleagues who played crucial roles in making the tours successful. Establishing these relationships was not just about business—it was about creating a network of trust and mutual respect.
Even during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, when the tourism industry was at a standstill, I maintained and strengthened these connections. It was during this period that I decided to leave my job and co-found my current company. The relationships I had cultivated over the years played a significant role in this transition. I reached out to a contact I had met years earlier, and because of the trust we had built, he was eager to collaborate and support the growth of the new tour company.
Another factor that contributed to my reputation was my commitment to the communities we visit on our tours. I made it a point to ensure that our tours were not just about sightseeing but about creating meaningful interactions with local communities. We worked closely with local service providers, ensuring that they benefited from the influx of tourists and that our clients gained an authentic experience. This approach helped build trust and goodwill, both with the communities and with our clients.
In the tourism industry, word of mouth is incredibly powerful. The positive experiences of our clients, the strong relationships with our partners, and the respect we earned from local communities all contributed to building a solid reputation for Elidel Travel and Tour. I am proud of the reputation we’ve established, but I know it is something that must be nurtured continuously through integrity, respect, and a genuine commitment to serving others.
Through my journey, I’ve learned that a reputation is not built overnight. It’s the result of consistent effort, genuine relationships, and a commitment to excellence in everything we do. As we continue to grow, these values will remain at the core of our work, ensuring that we continue to earn the trust and respect of everyone we serve.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://elideltravels.com
- Instagram: @elidel_travels.
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elideltravels/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/elideltravels/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@elideltravels
