By Mabel Boamah

Copyright atlfmnews

Ghana’s tourism industry has raked in GH¢15.42 billion from international visitors between October 2022 and September 2023, according to findings from the Ghana Statistical Service’s (GSS) maiden Ghana International Travellers’ Survey (GITS).

The report highlights the growing economic significance of the tourism sector, with nearly 901,448 international visitors choosing Ghana as a destination during the period.

Of these, 888,584 were overnight visitors, who contributed a staggering GH¢15.18 billion—making them the backbone of the industry’s revenue. Meanwhile, 12,864 same-day visitors, though often overlooked, generated GH¢24 million, underscoring their emerging role in the sector.

Government Statistician, Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu, noted the survey’s importance for shaping evidence-based policies. “Tourism is one of Ghana’s most dynamic sectors, with the power to create jobs, drive regional integration, and showcase our rich cultural heritage,” he said. He added that the significant spend of same-day travellers challenges previous assumptions and opens new opportunities.

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Visitor profiles revealed clear trends: men outnumbered women acro ss age groups, with the 36–64 age bracket forming the largest group of travellers. Most overnight guests came to visit friends and relatives, though business and professional travel spiked in the last quarter of 2022. In contrast, many same-day visitors were in transit, particularly in the final survey months.

Top destinations included the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, Cape Coast Castle, and the Independence Square & Arts Center. Same-day visitors gravitated towards sites such as the Bisa Abrewa Museum and the National Museum.

West African neighbours—Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, and Liberia—topped the list of source countries, cementing regional travel as a key driver of arrivals.

The GSS recommends a “Visit Ghana in a Day” campaign targeting short-haul regional travellers, alongside improved border facilities to enhance visitor experience. The data will also form the foundation of Ghana’s first-ever Tourism Satellite Account (TSA), a tool designed to measure tourism’s exact contribution to the national GDP.

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