Ghana Domestic Tourism Contributes More than Six Billion GH in Revenue, Poised for the Future Growth with Sustainable Travel, Cultural Tourism and Regional Investment

Ghana domestic tourism industry remains on record with incredible growth, with more than 15 million trips made within Ghana in 2023 alone, amounting to approximately GH¢6.6 billion to the economy of Ghana. This contribution, according to the Ghana Statistical Service’s Domestic Visitor Survey, has had an economic impact with significant amounts spent on accommodation, transport, food, and community businesses.
With the rise of domestic tourism in Ghana, the sector is expected to play an important role in boosting future tourism revenues. The spending behaviors of domestic tourists, especially those that are overnight tourists, illustrate the potential of the sector to continue growing its revenues. Looking ahead, the domestic tourism sector is poised to experience a revenue boost due to developments associated with tourism that are sustainable, regional tourist attractions, and cultural experiences.
Domestic Tourism Driving Economic Activity and Regional Prosperity
One of the main findings from the survey was that overnight tourism accounted for the bulk of spending, totaling GH¢4.8 billion (73% of total domestic tourism expenditure). These visitors typically spent on accommodation, food, transport, and local tourism services, directly benefiting local economies in the regions they visited.
As more regions invest in tourism infrastructure, including better transportation links and accommodation facilities, there is a significant opportunity for domestic tourism revenue to increase. The government’s focus on tourism for all—particularly through programs like “Tourism for All 2025”—is set to fuel this economic growth by encouraging travel during off-peak seasons, promoting a more even distribution of tourism spending throughout the year.
By enhancing regional offerings, especially in rural areas, Ghana is positioning itself to capture a more significant share of tourism spending in the coming years. Regions like Ashanti, Greater Accra, and Eastern Ghana, which already attract a significant portion of visitors, are likely to see an increase in tourism revenue, provided there is continued investment in local attractions and cultural heritage sites.
Expanding Opportunities for Sustainable and Cultural Tourism
As sustainable tourism grows in popularity, Ghana has an opportunity to further expand its tourism revenue by embracing eco-friendly practices and promoting heritage tourism. Cultural experiences, artisanal markets, and eco-tourism activities can serve as key attractions for both domestic and international travelers. As visitors increasingly seek responsible travel options, Ghana’s natural resources, including wildlife, beaches, and historical sites, will become even more valuable.
The country’s emphasis on cultural preservation and eco-tourism—through initiatives like festival promotion, community-based tourism, and the development of sustainable hotels—will likely result in higher-value experiences for travelers, leading to increased revenue. With more tourists seeking experiences that connect them to the local culture, food, and nature, these initiatives will position Ghana’s tourism sector to see a continued revenue surge in the years to come.
Leveraging Domestic Travel: A Foundation for Future Growth
As domestic tourism continues to grow, Ghana can expect to see a surge in tourism revenue driven by the increase in self-arranged trips and family visits. The survey revealed that 70% of same-day trips and 80% of overnight trips were driven by social motivations, such as visiting friends and attending family events. This highlights the importance of creating tailored travel experiences that cater to family-centric travel, alongside wellness tourism and cultural tours.
Targeted investments in local businesses and community-driven tourism models will play a significant role in ensuring that tourism revenue is not only maximized but also distributed equitably across regions. Ghana’s diverse cultural landscape offers opportunities to expand tourism into new regions, further boosting local income and creating job opportunities in rural areas.
Future Tourism Revenue Growth: Expanding Beyond Traditional Markets
With the increase in domestic tourism numbers and an expansion in tourism offerings, Ghana is set to become a key player in global tourism markets. By investing in tourism infrastructure—especially road networks, tourism education, and local promotion—the country is paving the way for a diversified tourism economy.
The future of tourism in Ghana will be shaped by an increased focus on sustainable tourism and the development of niche markets such as eco-tourism, wellness tourism, and adventure travel. As international travel grows, Ghana will be able to expand its tourism revenue by offering multi-destination travel packages that showcase the best of Ghana’s culture, natural beauty, and heritage.
A Strong Path to Sustainable Tourism and Increased Revenue
As the domestic tourism industry in Ghana expands, the financial prospects for tourism in the future are expected to experience a substantial boost. By making the right investments in the tourism industry, the economy of the country will continue to record expansion from both domestic and foreign tourists. The Reskilling and Skills Upgrading Program will improve the ability to tap into the financial benefits that the tourism industry has to offer.
With emphasis placed on developing tourism products that meet current demands, such as responsible tourism, wellness tourism, and culturals, among others, it is most likely that Ghana is set to experience massive growth in tourism receipts in the medium term, thus solidifying its place among the top tourism destination countries in West Africa.
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