Ghana’s Tourism Hits All‑Time High in 2024: $4.8 Billion and Counting

Accra, Ghana – July 2025

Ghana’s tourism industry just closed its best year on record—and the numbers are eye‑popping. The newly released 2024 Ghana Tourism Report (theme: Growth & Stability) shows headline gains in every corner of the sector, from international arrivals to domestic excursions and cruise traffic.

Record‑Breaking Numbers at a Glance

“Despite global headwinds, Ghana’s tourism retained a strong upward trajectory.”
— Maame Efua Huoadjeto, CEO, Ghana Tourism Authority

What Powered the Surge?

1. Event‑Driven Boom
   “December in GH,” Dirty December, PANAFEST–Emancipation and Kwahu Paragliding injected millions in visitor spending across all 16 regions.
2. Heritage & Leisure Appeal
   International travelers stayed 22 nights on average—a lengthy tenure driven by heritage tours, coastal retreats and burgeoning culinary experiences.
3. Domestic Wanderlust
   From the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park to Kakum National Park and Bunso Arboretum, Ghanaians embraced home‑grown adventures, pushing domestic visits up 19 %.
4. Cruise Market Expansion
   Fourteen cruise ships docked at Tema and Takoradi, with 88 % of passengers hailing from the U.S.—a sweet spot for high‑spend day visits.

Building for Tomorrow

• 6,702 licensed operators—hotels, restaurants, tour firms—up from 5,786 in 2023.
• Significant training & certification drives for tour guides and hospitality staff.
• Ongoing push for eco‑ and community‑based tourism, aligning with climate‑sensitive management.

“Our goal isn’t just footfall—we want tourism growth that benefits local communities and safeguards our cultural and natural heritage.”
— Maame Efua Huoadjeto

Policy & Investment Outlook

Deputy Tourism Minister Yussif Jajah underscored the critical role of data in shaping policy amid changing traveler expectations. Key next steps:

• Implement the National Tourism Development Plan with region‑cluster focus.
• Expand infrastructure (roads, airports, visitor centers) to underserved attractions.
• Enhance customer‑service training and incentivize high‑value private investment.
• Double down on digital transformation for seamless visitor experiences.

“Let’s tell Ghana’s story with data, passion and intent—making our nation Africa’s hub for tourism, culture and creative arts.”
— Yussif Jajah

The Bottom Line

With $4.8 billion in revenue and visitor numbers climbing, 2024 cemented Ghana’s status as a premier heritage‑and‑leisure destination. The challenge for 2025 and beyond? Converting this momentum into sustainable, inclusive growth—so every region, community and traveler shares in the gains.

Have you explored Ghana lately? Which destination is next on your list? Drop your thoughts in the comments!