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Ghana’s Tourism Sector Shows Early Gains with Digital Innovation and New Nightlife Experiences Ghana’s Tourism Sector Shows Early Gains with Digital Innovation and New Nightlife Experiences

The Ghana Tourism Development Company (GTDC) is charting a new course for the country’s tourism industry, reporting impressive early results from a suite of digital initiatives and experiential products rolled out this year. At a recent briefing in Accra, GTDC’s leadership outlined not just the progress of current programs, but also a bold agenda for investment mobilization and product expansion slated for 2026, signaling Ghana’s intent to become a top-tier destination for international travelers and investors alike.

According to CEO Prof. Kobby Mensah, the company’s top priority for 2025 has been to develop credible, evidence-based systems that showcase the full spectrum of Ghana’s tourism assets and opportunities. “When we tell you we have A and B in Ghana, not only can you hear us, but you can see,” Prof. Mensah explained. By using geographical coordinates, immersive videos, and testimonials from local authorities, GTDC is ensuring that potential investors and visitors alike have tangible proof of what’s on offer. This data-driven approach has laid the groundwork for GTDC’s upcoming major investment mobilisation budget presentation, which is expected to focus on aggressively marketing Ghana to attract a new wave of tourism investment in early 2026.

At the core of this transformative strategy is the deployment of innovative digital platforms designed to reposition Ghana as a safe, accessible, and attractive global destination. The newly launched Ghana Tourism Marketplace (GTM) is already demonstrating its impact, functioning as both an online travel agency and a hub for sharing user-generated travel experiences. Since going live just a month ago, the platform has facilitated bookings from countries including Portugal, France, and Germany, allowing international visitors to reserve events and explore tourist attractions seamlessly online. This early international traction highlights the platform’s potential to revolutionize how Ghana’s tourism products are marketed and sold worldwide.

Complementing this, the Ghana Tourism Investment Platform (GTIP) is providing investors with a curated portfolio of high-potential, investment-ready projects. Currently, 10 initiatives—ranging from eco-resorts and heritage sites to cultural and religious attractions—are showcased on the platform, each vetted for credibility and aligned with Ghana’s broader tourism diversification strategy. For the African tourism industry, this move signals a maturing investment environment, offering actionable opportunities for cross-border partnerships and capital flows.

One of GTDC’s most striking recent successes is the Accra By Night initiative. This immersive nighttime tour, conducted on the last Friday of every month, has rapidly gained popularity, with demand surging to the point where the December schedule features 10 separate trips—far surpassing the initial single monthly tour format. Since its inception in April, Accra By Night has delivered at least 10 regular and 10 custom tours, serving a diverse clientele that includes private groups, embassies, and institutional clients. Buoyed by this enthusiasm, GTDC is preparing to scale the concept to other cities, with Cape Coast By Night, Kumasi By Night, and Takoradi By Night all under development. This move not only extends the reach of Ghana’s tourism experience but also encourages regional economic activity and job creation.

To support this expansion, GTDC is exploring strategic partnerships with private sector players to procure additional double-decker buses and ensure the program’s long-term sustainability. Deputy CEO (Operations) Felicity Nelson emphasized the company’s prudent approach: “We didn’t want to acquire debt without proof of concept… Now we’re open to partnership models where private companies provide buses while we pay in instalments. As a state agency, we must protect the public purse and invest responsibly.” This model demonstrates how African tourism enterprises can leverage the private sector to scale innovation without overextending public resources.

Financial gains from these new initiatives are still modest but viewed as the foundation for a much larger transformation. With robust digital systems in place and strong proof of market demand, GTDC is now well positioned to intensify its international investor outreach and accelerate the commercialization of its tourism offerings in 2026. The company is determined to use these “baby steps” as a launchpad for broader economic and social dividends, betting that digital innovation, credible data, and new urban experiences can deliver a significant leap in Ghana’s tourism competitiveness.

For African tourism professionals, Ghana’s success offers valuable lessons. The integration of technology and evidence-based marketing is reshaping how destinations can attract investment and visitors in a highly competitive global market. The rapid uptake of initiatives like Accra By Night demonstrates the untapped potential in reimagining existing assets and urban experiences for both domestic and international travelers. Additionally, the emphasis on partnership models for infrastructure and service delivery points to sustainable pathways for sector growth across the continent.

Looking forward, the GTDC’s momentum signals a shift in how African destinations can position themselves for the future. By leveraging digital platforms, prioritizing transparency, and focusing on immersive, locally-rooted experiences, Ghana is not only enhancing its appeal but also setting a new benchmark for tourism development in the region. As GTDC prepares for a new phase of investment and expansion, the rest of Africa’s travel industry will be watching closely—and taking notes on how to transform small steps into big wins.