Accra: The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has launched its 2024 Tourism Report, showcasing the sector’s continued growth despite economic challenges. The report highlights a significant increase in international arrivals and domestic tourism, alongside diversification of product offerings.
According to Ghana News Agency, the country welcomed 1.288 million international visitors in 2024, marking a 12 percent rise from the previous year. This growth was largely driven by visitors from the United States, Nigeria, and the United Kingdom, with Nigerian arrivals increasing by 25 percent. These arrivals generated $4.8 billion in revenue, the highest in Ghana’s tourism history, attributed to targeted marketing campaigns, strategic partnerships, and enhanced digital platforms by the Authority.
Mrs Marilyn Maame Efua Huoadjeto, CEO of GTA, emphasized the importance of collaboration with the private sector, investment in training, and improving regulatory compliance. She stressed the commitment to upskilling the workforce to meet international standards, which is crucial for delivering memorable experiences. The report reflects the industry’s progress and commitment to building a resilient, inclusive, and competitive tourism sector.
The report also outlines the impact of key events such as PANAFEST Emancipation, Kwahu Paragliding Festival, and Dirty December, which boosted economic activity and created jobs for thousands. Mrs Huoadjeto highlighted strides in promoting sustainable tourism through eco-tourism and community-based initiatives. The goal is to ensure tourism development benefits local communities and preserves natural and cultural heritage.
Mr Yussif Jajah, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, noted the importance of data in guiding policy and investment decisions. The report provides insights into arrivals, revenue, domestic tourism trends, employment generation, and sectoral contributions to GDP. It aligns with global best practices advocated by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation and the African Union Agenda 2063.
Mr Jajah credited the report’s successes to targeted policies and strategic investments, including tourism infrastructure development and marketing major events. He highlighted the expansion of hospitality training programs and digitalization of tourism services through public-private partnerships.
Looking ahead, the ministry plans to focus on implementing the National Tourism Development Plan, emphasizing regional tourism clusters and expanding public-private partnerships. They aim to unlock investment in resorts, ecotourism, and heritage conservation while enhancing data collection to inform localized tourism strategies.
Mr Jajah called for stakeholder commitment to building a sustainable, inclusive, and competitive tourism industry, encouraging collaboration to make Ghana a hub for tourism, culture, and creative arts in Africa.