The Ghana Tourism Authority has reported a significant increase in visits to tourist sites across the country in 2023, reaching a record high of over a million visits. This marks the highest record in four years, with a total of 1,407,709 visits recorded at various tourist destinations.
The surge in tourism has been attributed to the continued interest of residents in exploring Ghana’s rich cultural and natural attractions. The report revealed that residents accounted for 83% of the total visits, amounting to 1,161,474 visits, while non-residents contributed 17%, totaling 246,235 visits.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on tourism was also highlighted in the report, showing a recovery trajectory. In 2020, domestic visitor numbers dropped by 69% due to the pandemic’s disruptive effects on travel and tourism. However, by 2022, there was a 49% year-on-year growth in visitations, signaling a recovery from the previous year’s decline.
By 2023, domestic visitor arrivals surpassed pre-COVID figures by 110%, underscoring a robust rebound in domestic tourism. The GTA credited this resurgence to targeted campaigns aimed at encouraging Ghanaians to explore their own country, especially in the absence of international travel options.
Initiatives such as “See Ghana, Wear Ghana, Feel Ghana” played a crucial role in reigniting the curiosity of Ghanaians in their homeland’s attractions, music, dance, and fashion. Additionally, infrastructure development and capacity enhancement were cited as factors contributing to the increased tourism numbers, with the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park being listed as the most visited tourist site in 2023.
The GTA emphasized the resilience and relevance of domestic tourism in the post-pandemic era, highlighting the enduring allure of exploring one’s own backyard. The positive trend in tourism numbers reflects the lasting appeal of Ghana’s cultural and natural attractions to both residents and non-residents alike.
