― Advertisement ―

spot_img
HomeTravelAfro Travel ServicesGhana’s tourism breaks records in 2024: $4.8 billion earned with 12% increase...

Ghana’s tourism breaks records in 2024: $4.8 billion earned with 12% increase in int’l arrivals

Ghana’s tourism sector is on an upward trajectory, with 2024 marking a year of record-breaking performance that firmly cements the country’s status as a continental and global tourism hub.

The latest Ghana Tourism Report, released under the theme “Growth and Stability”, reveals that the country welcomed 1.288 million international visitors in 2024, representing a 12% increase from the previous year. These arrivals generated a staggering $4.8 billion in revenue, the highest in Ghana’s tourism history.

This impressive growth was fuelled largely by strong performances from Ghana’s top source markets — the United States, Nigeria, and the United Kingdom. Notably, Nigeria alone recorded a 25% rise in visitors, a clear indication of Ghana’s strengthened appeal within West Africa and the broader diaspora.

From vibrant city life in Accra to the spiritual reconnection offered by historic towns like Cape Coast and Elmina, tourists continue to be drawn by Ghana’s unique mix of culture, heritage, and hospitality.

One of the standout attractions remains “December in GH” — the country’s flagship festive season celebration that blends Afrobeat music, fashion, heritage, and entertainment. According to the report, visitors who came for DiGH stayed an average of 22 nights and spent over $700 per day, a figure that underscores Ghana’s growing position as a premium destination for heritage and leisure travel.

On the domestic front, 1.68 million visits were recorded to tourist sites across the country, marking a 19% increasecompared to 2023. Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park retained its spot as the most visited attraction, while Kakum National Park and Bunso Arboretum continued to captivate nature enthusiasts.

The boom has had a significant knock-on effect on the wider economy. The hospitality sector recorded a substantial boost with 6,702 licensed tourism enterprises in operation — up from 5,786 the year before. Hotel occupancy rates remained strong, and the average expenditure per tourist trip hit $3,742, reflecting growing confidence in Ghana’s offerings.

Meanwhile, the country’s cruise tourism sector is gaining momentum. Ghana welcomed 14 cruise ships carrying over 12,600 passengers, a 38% increase from 2023. The ports of Tema and Takoradi played host to mostly American tourists, with 88% rating Ghana as an “ideal tourism destination.”

Speaking at the report’s launch at the Accra Tourist Information Centre today, CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Maame Efua Houadjeto, praised the sector’s resilience and future promise.

“Tourism continues to serve as a powerful tool for economic transformation, social cohesion, and national branding,” she said. “Thanks to targeted marketing campaigns, strategic partnerships, and our ‘See Ghana, Eat Ghana, Wear Ghana, Feel Ghana’ initiative, we have reaffirmed Ghana’s place as the Gateway to Africa.”

She also spotlighted key achievements such as greater public-private collaboration, stronger training and certification systems, and a heightened commitment to sustainable tourism that uplifts communities and preserves Ghana’s cultural and natural assets.

“Our goal is not only to attract visitors but to ensure that tourism development benefits local communities and preserves our heritage for generations,” she added.

Call for collaboration and innovation

Houadjeto further urged all stakeholders — from government to civil society — to rally behind a collective vision for Ghana’s tourism future. She pointed to the need for improved infrastructure, expanded digital tools, and market diversification to maintain the growth momentum.

Adding his voice at the event, Deputy Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Yussif Issaka Jajah, who read a speech on behalf of the sector minister, described the annual report as more than just a compilation of data.

“This annual report is more than a compilation of facts and figures. It is a mural that reflects our progress,” he stated.

He highlighted the importance of data in navigating modern tourism challenges, particularly amid climate change and evolving travel trends.

“Tourism creates jobs, promotes investment, strengthens cultural identity, and fosters mutual understanding among people,” he added.

Looking ahead, the Ministry’s priorities include renovating Ghana’s forts and castles, developing regional tourism clusters, and supporting youth- and women-led enterprises. Jajah also stressed the urgency of addressing heritage site underperformance, citing the paradox that Ghana has 29 functioning forts and castles along the Gulf of Guinea yet receives comparatively low visitation.

He called for research-driven strategies to unlock the full potential of Ghana’s historical sites — many of which are central to the African diaspora’s story and could significantly enrich the country’s heritage tourism narrative.