Ghana’s tourism sector saw record-breaking growth in 2024, with historic revenue, increased international arrivals, and a surge in domestic tourism.
According to the 2024 Ghana Tourism Report, the sector generated $4.8 billion, the highest in the country’s tourism history.
The report, launched by the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), under the theme:“Growth and Stability,” detailed significant strides in arrivals and spending.
Ghana welcomed 1.288 million international visitors in 2024, a 12 percent rise from 2023.
The increase was largely driven by arrivals from the United States, Nigeria and the United Kingdom, with Nigerian arrivals alone rising by 25 percent.
Events such as “December in GH” contributed significantly to this growth, with international visitors staying an average of 22 nights and spending over $700 per day.
“A figure that underscores Ghana’s growing position as a premium destination for heritage and leisure travel,” the report stated.
Domestically, 1.68 million visits to tourist sites were recorded—marking a 19 percent year-on-year increase.
The Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park remained the top attraction, followed by Kakum National Park and Bunso Arboretum.
The hospitality sector also expanded, with 6,702 licensed tourism enterprises operating in 2024, up from 5,786 in 2023.
Hotel occupancy remained high, and the average tourist expenditure per trip reached $3,742.
Cruise tourism saw notable growth as well, with fourteen cruise ships docking in Ghana, bringing over 12,600 passengers—a 38 percent increase.
The Tema and Takoradi ports received about 88 percent American tourists.
Mrs. Maame Efua Huoadjeto, Chief Executive Officer of the GTA, remarked, “Despite global and regional economic pressures, Ghana’s tourism sector maintained a strong upward trajectory.”
“In 2024, we intensified our collaboration with the private sector, invested in the training and certification of tourism practitioners and improved regulatory compliance.
“We recognised that quality of service is key to delivering memorable experiences and we remain committed to upskilling our workforce to meet international standards,” she said.
Mrs Huoadjeto said the Report not only reflected the progress of the industry over the past year but also reinforced the shared commitment to build a resilient, inclusive, and competitive tourism sector.
“It is a product of diligent research, data collection, and stakeholder collaboration and it captures the full breadth of our achievements, lessons learned, and the opportunities that lie ahead.”
Highlighting event-driven growth, Mrs. Huoadjeto noted that the report outlined the impact of key events such as PANAFEST Emancipation, Kwahu Paragliding Festival and Dirty December, which collectively contributed to economic activity across the regions and created employment opportunities for thousands of Ghanaians.
“We are particularly proud of the strides we are making in promoting sustainable tourism practices from eco-tourism and community-based initiatives to climate-sensitive destination management.
“Our goal is not only to attract visitors but to ensure that tourism development benefits local communities and protects our natural and cultural heritage for generations to come,” she stated.
Mrs. Huoadjeto urged all stakeholders to “join in shaping the next chapter of Ghanaian tourism, work together to unlock new markets, strengthen infrastructure and leverage digital innovation to deliver seamless experiences.”
Deputy Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Mr. Yussif Jajah, highlighted the critical importance of data in shaping tourism policy, noting that in a time marked by climate challenges, technological shifts, and evolving traveller expectations, data served as a vital tool for guiding decisions on policy, planning, and investment.
He said the report offered critical insights into “arrivals, revenue, domestic tourism trends, employment generation, visitor satisfaction, and sectoral contributions to Gross Domestic Product (GDP).”
“It is also aligned with global best satisfaction and sectorial contribution to GDP, as well as global best practices and framework advocated by the United Nations World Tourism Organization and the African Union Agenda 2063.”
Mr. Jajah credited the sector’s achievements to support for the creative industry, hospitality training expansion, public-private partnerships, and digitalization of tourism services.
“While we celebrate our gains, we are mindful of persistent challenges, such as inadequate access to some tourism sites, the need for improved customer services, limited private investment in high-value production, and regional disparities in tourism development,” he said.
Looking ahead, Mr. Jajah said the ministry would prioritise implementing the National Tourism Development Plan, focusing on regional tourism clusters and initiating its renewal.
“Let us tell the Ghana story boldly, with data, passion, and purpose. Together, let us make Ghana the tourism, culture, and creative arts hub of Africa,” he said.
By Hafsa Obeng
GNA
