Ghana’s Domestic Tourism Surges to 15.4 Million Visitors, Injecting GH¢6.6 Billion into Economy
Ghana’s domestic tourism sector has achieved a remarkable milestone, recording 15.4 million domestic visitors in 2023 and generating an estimated GH¢6.6 billion for the national economy, according to the latest Domestic and Outbound Tourism Survey (DOPS) Report by the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS). This surge in local travel underscores the growing significance of domestic tourism as a key pillar of Ghana’s economic landscape, benefiting a wide range of sectors from transport and hospitality to community-based businesses.
The comprehensive survey, which covered 18,500 households nationwide, revealed that social and cultural activities are the primary drivers of domestic tourism. Funerals and visits to friends and relatives accounted for over 70% of same-day trips and about 80% of overnight visits, highlighting the deep-rooted cultural traditions that shape travel patterns within the country.
Of the total visitors, 8.8 million undertook overnight trips, while 6.6 million were same-day travelers. Notably, women represented a higher proportion of travelers, comprising 55% (4.8 million) of overnight visitors, with female participation consistently outpacing that of men throughout the year. This trend points to the influential role women play in shaping domestic travel decisions and experiences.
Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu, Government Statistician, emphasized that these findings highlight the growing importance of domestic tourism, which is being further supported by initiatives such as “December in Ghana,” the proposed 24-hour economy, and alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These efforts are designed to stimulate local travel, create jobs, and foster inclusive economic growth.
The survey also shed light on the demographics of domestic travelers. The 25-44 age group dominated both same-day (42%) and overnight trips (36%), indicating that economically active adults are the primary drivers of domestic tourism. This age group’s strong participation reflects the sector’s potential to tap into the spending power and mobility of Ghana’s working population.
In terms of destinations, the Ashanti and Greater Accra regions attracted the highest number of same-day visitors, while Ashanti, Eastern, and Greater Accra regions led in overnight stays. Popular tourist sites included Aburi Botanical Gardens, Cape Coast and Elmina Castles, Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, Kintampo Waterfalls, and Kumasi Zoological Gardens. These attractions continue to draw both first-time and repeat visitors, reinforcing their status as cornerstones of Ghana’s tourism offering.
Spending by domestic visitors reached GH¢6.6 billion, with same-day visitors contributing GH¢1.8 billion and overnight visitors accounting for GH¢4.8 billion. The Greater Accra region recorded the highest on-trip expenditure, reflecting its economic dominance and the concentration of high-value tourism activities. In contrast, the Northern regions saw comparatively lower spending, pointing to opportunities for targeted investment and development to balance regional tourism flows.
Dr. Iddrisu called for a more organized approach to maximize the benefits of domestic tourism. He urged the government to focus on improving road quality, signage, safety, rest facilities, and bus service standards, as well as supporting festivals, markets, heritage sites, accommodation, and cultural businesses. By addressing these areas, Ghana can enhance the overall visitor experience and unlock greater economic value from domestic travel.
He also highlighted the need to convert socially driven trips into structured opportunities that generate more value, create jobs, and promote balanced regional development. This could involve packaging cultural and social events with tourism products, supporting local entrepreneurs, and investing in infrastructure that facilitates seamless travel across the country.
For Africa’s travel industry professionals, Ghana’s domestic tourism boom offers valuable lessons on the power of local travel to drive economic growth and resilience. The sector’s strong performance in 2023 demonstrates that with the right policies, investment, and stakeholder engagement, domestic tourism can become a sustainable engine for development, job creation, and cultural preservation. As other African destinations look to diversify their tourism offerings and reduce reliance on international arrivals, Ghana’s experience provides a compelling blueprint for harnessing the full potential of homegrown travel.
